LiBRARY.,OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Looking Beyond 



POEMS 



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FRANK L. MONTEVERDE 








BUFFALO 

CHARLES WELLS MOULTON 
1893 



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Copyright, 1893, 
By Frank L. Monteverde. 



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PRINTED BY 

C. W. MOULTON, 

BUFFALO, N. Y. 



DEDICATION. 

TO MY LOVING AND DEVOTED WIFE, 

MADALINE, 

THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED. 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

The Hundreth Gate 9 

My Star 15 

Can You Tell? 17 

Washington 18 

A Dream of Love 21 

Nellie Rose 22 

"The Old Guard" 24 

Madaline 26 

A Message 27 

The Clergyman's Prayer 28 

Christmas 31 

Vivia's Prayer 33 

A Retrospect 35 

Evelyn— A Memory 38 

One Year To-day 39 

The Silver Jubilee 42 

Trust in God 45 

At Rest . . . o 46 

Josephine 48 

A Welcome 49 

Twenty Years Ago 50 

A True Knight 54 

Changes 56 

November Leaves 58 

The Mocking-Bird 59 

Beautiful . , . 6g 



vi CONTENTS. 

PACK 

Bright Gleams 62 

The Miser 63 

Morn 64 

A Lamentation 66 

Lines 67 

A Wish 69 

Spirit Eyes 70 

I Dreampt Last Night 71 

Sweet Thoughts ^2 

On the Tented Field 74 

Love's Trust 78 

Dark Eyes 79 

Sayings 80 

Looking Beyond 81 

List the Sighing 83 

What is Love ? 84 

Roses 86 

Farewell 86 

A Love Plea 87 

To Geraldine 89 

The Tramp 90 

By the Rise of the Sun 91 

The Yearning of a Mother's Heart 92 

Christmas Reverie 93 

Found Dead 95 

Happiness for All 96 

Answered 97 

Mamma's Flowers 98 

Farewell to Summer 99 

Thoughts at a Baby's Grave 10 1 

Love's Answer 102 

One I Dearly Love 103 



CONTENTS, vii 

PAGE 

A Tribute to Gambrell 104 

Christmas Carol 105 

Looking for Papa 106 

You did not Answer No 107 

The Last Request 108 

A Truth no 

Morning in 

MyVivia 112 

Youth 113 

The Storm 114 

I Wonder 115 

Birds in the Trees 116 

Love is Supreme 117 

Bitter-Sweet 119 

Nellie 120 

To Live in Love 121 

Life-Death 122 

Life's Sorrows 123 

Pity 124 

The Hunter's Dream 125 

The Citizen Road- Agent 128 

"Pegged Out" 130 

Thanksgiving in the Mines 131 

Old-Timers 132 

Deceived 134 

No or Yes 136 

Looking Beyond 137 

False; or, The Broken Promise 139 

A Littie Girl 144 

Greeting to the A. A. W 146 



viii CONTENTS, 

IN MEMORIAM. 

PAGE 

In Memoriatn 151 

Angelo Monteverde 154 

Mrs. Caroline Monteverde 156 

Charles Gusmani 158 

Mrs. Leonora Johnson Lory 160 

Mrs. Margaret Klaffki 162 

John and Louis Sohm 164 

Joseph Schloss 165 

Mary A. Hein 167 

Mrs. Clara P. Uhl 168 

Ferdinand Sohm 170 

Mrs. Tillie Descalso 172 

William Grehan 174 

Mrs. Mary Kelly 176 

Andrew Michael Manley 178 

Little Annie Strehl 180 

Catherine Delaney 181 

Johnnie Fell 183 

Mrs. Mary Crowley 184 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE HUNDRETH GATE. 

Read at the opening of the great Memphis Bridge, May, 1892. 



O GLORIOUS Stream! thy tide we span 

And raise above its ebb and flow 
The mighty handiwork of man — 

Commerce and art's colossal bow. 
Beneath the arches grand and high 

Our inland fleets with flags a-peak — 
Columbia's ladened argosy — 

The shadeless summer sea will seek. 

II. 

Aye, 'neath the tracks of conscious steel 

Which, shining, stretch from shore to shore 
Shall press the strong, undaunted keel 

As free and hopeful as of yore! 
With eager hands Trade's golden gates 

To-day our city opens wide, 
Inviting all our sister States 

To seek the mart by riverside. 

III. 

We greet them from the ocean's line, 
We hail them from the prairies far, 

We welcome them from where the pine, 
A living mast, seeks out the star. 



lo LOOKING BEYOND. 

And to the farther South we say — 
(The fairest land beneath the sun — 

DeSoto's kingdom.) " See to-day, 
The work of love and honor done! " 



IV. 



See what the hand of man hath reared, 

That Commerce might extend her sway; 
Behold the bridge to all endeared! 

Behold the iron-jointed way! 
No more adown the river floats 

The shallop of the armored knight, 
No more the Indians' birchen boats 

The waters cleave with arrow might. 



V. 



The pleasing hum of busy trade, 

The song of traffic rising high. 
Shall penetrate the distant glade. 

And be the Spaniard's lullaby. 
And Memphis in her pride to-day. 

With every heart aglow with glee. 
To outer lands extends her sway — 

The laureled Queen of Tennessee! 



VI. 



She builds for all, withholds from none, 
She waits not for the favoring gale, 

But energetic seeks the sun 
That longs to greet the ambitious sail. 



LOOKING BEYOND. h 

Across this bridge, shall come and go, 

Led by a genii's master mind, 
In wonder's ceaseless ebb and flow. 

The endless tide of human kind. 

VII. 

The Memphis of the past is dead! 

The Memphis of the future born; 
A fleece of cotton as her bed, 

Her crown the sheaf, and golden corn. 
To her shall come with love endowed. 

By steam and tide, the ladened car, 
And over all hosannas loud 

Will voice her triumphs won afar. 

VIII. 

'Twas Labor's task to rear this bridge. 

To span with iron the river wide. 
To wrench the stone from mountain ridge, 

To dig and delve beneath the tide. 
The sons of toil whose work to-day 

A monument of grandeur stands, 
Can stand erect and proudly say: 

** Behold the labor of our hands! 

IX. 

''We bridged the tide and slowly rose,| 
Above the mailed Spaniard's grave. 

The work which in the sunlight throws 
Its shadow over mart and wave. 



12 LOOKING BEYOND. 

The city that we prize to-day 
With new prosperity we greet, 

As with the hands of love we lay 
The wealth of Labor at her feet' 



Let Memphis toward the goal she craves 

Take this fair day a mighty stride; 
Aye, let her look beyond the waves 

Upon the prairies fair and wide. 
To her shall come from States afar 

The worth of Commerce, bravely sought, 
And men will haste by fleet and car 

To see what we have grandly wrought. 

XI. 

We build not for the present time, 

We rear not for an idle hour; 
No jealousies are ours. Sublime 

And lasting is our rise to power! 
Beneath the flowers and the foam 

Forever lie the swords of strife; 
And on the sacred hearths of home 

We rise to-day to newer life. 

XII. 

We look beyond this work of ours, 
With outstretched hands, we proudly stand 

Upon the threshold of the flowers 
And cry, **Come! come! " to all the land. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 13 

A Southern welcome greets you here, 

The gentle touch of love awaits 
All those who seek from far or near 

The market by the Memphian gates. 

XIII. 

We ope to-day with swelling pride 

The door that leads to land of corn; 
We bridge the Mississippi wide 

For generations yet unborn. 
We carve no names on voiceless rocks, 

Our fame on no dead walls one sees; 
The golden key of Trade unlocks 

The doors of future treasuries. 

XIV. 

O modern Memphis, fair and grand, 

A queen enthroned upon the shore — 
The Southern gateway of that land 

Whose fame is fame forevermore! 
Receive the homage due to-day. 

Rejoice with all thy flags unfurled; 
The flowered hand of smiling May 

Crowns thee anew before the world. 

XV. 

Forever 'neath the mighty arch 
May argosies of Commerce sweep, 

To northern lands of pine and larch 
To sunny shores that gird the deep! 



14 LOOKIhG BEYOND. 

Forever be this day renowned, 

O city throned twixt lakes and sea! 

May this become the halting ground 
Of conscious thousands yet to be. 

XVI. 

The skies are bright; the rising star 

Of Empire far above us shines, 
Love forms her wreath where thundered War, 

And Peace requires no picket lines. 
The victor's laureled palm awaits 

The fearless hand: the world is wide; 
Then, open all thy hundred gates 

O Memphis fair by river side! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 15 



MY STAR. 

On a summer's evening sitting 
'Neath the lamp-light's mellow glare, 

Gazing out into the darkness- 
Solemn darkness everywhere, 

'Mid the rustling leaves above me. 
Almost hidden from my view. 

Twinkling in the sky of azure, 
A bright star came peeping through. 

And I gazed upon it, thinking 

Of a lost one dear to me, 
Of a face that long had vanished 

From this vale of misery. 
When methought I heard the laughter 

Coming from that star above! 
And the bright face of my darling 

Beamed upon me in its love. 

*•' Loved one do not be disheartened. 

Care and toil will soon be o'er; 
When you hear the angels calling 

You will meet them gone before. 
When again 'mid realms of splendor 

We will never, never part; 
And our love will be united 

Here in glory, heart with heart!" 



i6 LOOKING BEYOND. 

What a feeling! Sat I gazing 

On that Httle star above, 
In my memory revolving 

All the thoughts that come to love; 
Dreaming o'er the gentle whispers 

That still lingered in my ears; 
Falling like a benediction, 

Banishing all sighs and fears. 

But the lovely face had vanished, 

And the twinkling little star 
Seemed to fade off in the distance 

'Till it shown a silver bar. 
But I gaze upon it nightly, 

CalHng it "my star of love," 
And I often catch the whispers 

From that dear one there above. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 17 



CAN YOU TELL? 

Can you tell me, my boy, can you tell 

Why the whirl of society claims 
The right to call maiden a " Belle," 

Nor apply the same title to dames ? 
Why it is that the rich can partake 

Of the pleasures the poor are denied ? 
Why the marriage vow they can forsake, 

And still hold positions of pride ? 

Can you tell me, dear boy, can you tell 

Why the maiden of wealth should be named 
By the high sounding title of "Belle," 

While the poor working-girl is defamed ? 
Why it is that money has power 

Unto which truest honor must bend ? 
Under which the pure untainted flower, 

Must vanish unwept by a friend ? 

Can you tell — can you tell me, I ask. 

Why this unequal level doth reign ? 
Why money can sin 'neath a mask. 

And come forth unblemished again ? 
Oh ! why should we turn on the souls 

Who are tempted by de^nons^ and fall! 
Who are sent down to hell by these ghouls! 

These hirelings of Satan's black pall! 



i8 LOOKING BEYOND. 



WASHINGTON. 

Read at a Reunion of the Alumni of the Christian Brothers 
College. 

The father of his country named, 

Revered and loved by all 
Who dwell beneath the glorious flag 

That reigns in freedom's hall; 
The glorious name to ever live 

Until the end of time, 
The name immortal that I make 

The subject of this rhyme. 

George Washington! What pen can tell 

The feeling of the heart 
When whispering that honored name 

Whose fame will ne'er depart? 
Historians may pen their thoughts, 

And poet's sing their songs, 
But never can they chime the praise 

That to our chief belongs. 

When clouds obscured these skies of ours 

Amid wars vivid glare, 
Who led our army to the fight 

And caused the world to stare ? 
At Trenton and at Valley Forge 

Who led the victors on. 
Amid the winds and blinding snow ? 

Immortal Washington. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 19 

It was a glorious day when high 

Upon the scroll of fame, 
The sword of Washington was crowned 

With Trenton's deathless name; 
But greater still the victory won 

Within that dismal gorge, 
When through the winter's dreary hours. 

He stood at Valley Forge. 

Majestic, noble, grand and brave, 

A giant in his might, 
Born to command the noble men 

He led into the fight. 
When bravest hearts sank in despair. 

When clouds were black o'erhead, 
With him to cheer them on their way, 

Men followed where he led. 

At last the days of war are o'er. 

Once more the world is still; 
The gallant men go to their homes 

The vacant place to fill; 
And all rejoice that peace has come. 

Won by Columbia's son. 
The world is thrilling with the name 

Of General Washington. 

The murmur of Potomac's stream 

That glides by Mount Vernon 
Will ever sing a requiem 

To honored Washington. 



20 LOOKING BEYOND. 

He needs no granite shaft to tell 
Of mighty actions done; 

His monument the freest land 
That lies beneath the sun. 

To-night, with loyal heart, we seek 

The banquet board once more. 
And drink to him whose fame is far 

Beyond Virginia's shore. 
Forever let the patriot love 

Columbia's greatest son, 
And link the name of Freedom with 

The fame of Washington. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



A DREAM OF LOVE. 

A DREAM of love! A dream of love! 
O stars that shine so bright above! 
Your mellow light— your mellow light 
Illuminates the shades of night; 
You twinkle in the azure blue, 
And disappear when falls the dew. 

A dream of love! A dream of love! 
O sun of day that gleams above! 
You give to man— you give to man 
The light no other power can; 
You make the world a brighter sphere, 
And fade from view when night is here. 

A dream of love! A dream of love! 
O Luna in your realm above! 
Your brilliant light— your brilliant light 
Repudiates the shades of night; 
Your beauty rare is never shorn 
Till comes the peeping king of morn, 



22 LOOKING BEYOND. 



NELLIE ROSE. 

My sweetheart's name is Nellie, 

And she is dear to me; 
Her laugh is like the music 

Of a songbird's minstrelsy. 
Her face will e'er remind me 

Of the sweetest flower that grows; 
Oh, how I'd like to kiss her, 

My darling, Nellie Rose. 

The rising sun of morning. 

The twinkling stars of night, 
All give to me a vision, 

A most entrancing sight, 
In which I see my Nellie, 

Down where the brooklet flows; 
Her lips are calling to me, 

My darling, Nellie Rose. 

The little flowers whisper, 

And in the sound I hear 
Sweet praises for the dear one 

Whose image I revere. 
My heart is ever longing 

As everybody knows. 
To meet my little sweetheart, 

My darling, Nellie Rose. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 23 

Could I paint you the picture 

Of the ruler of my heart, 
And tell to you the gladness 

That never will depart, 
That comes when she is with me 

And ever dearer grows. 
The picture and the ruler 

Would be my Nellie Rose. 

I hope some day to claim her 

To call her mine for aye; 
When every pain and sorrow 

Will fall into decay. 
For if you'd see her smiling, 

You'd say she's one of those 
Who carries sunshine with her, 

My darling, Nellie Rose. 

Mayhap that you have met her, 

Mayhap that you have seen 
The one that I love best of all. 

My precious little queen! 
If so, you know the reason 

My heart is free from woes, 
For she is all the world to me. 

My darling, Nellie Rose. 



24 LOOKING BEYOND. 

''THE OLD GUARD." 

DEDICATED TO THE VETERAN FIRE LADDIES. 
I. 

Like those who watch from their resting place 

The deeds of valor and tests of skill 
In the crowded arena taking place, 

While the old time fires their bosoms thrill 
And they sigh for the strength of their early years, 

The "Old Guard" watches the scene to-day 
And give to the active their cordial cheers, 

At the feet of the victors the honors pay. 

II. 

What memories crowd to the mind sedate, 

What thoughts arise from the vanished past, 
When their frames were strong, and their hearts 
elate. 

And their lots in the midst of the fire were cast; 
And the field was wide, and they did their part. 

And their lances clashed till the day was done. 
And they held their place in the Laddie's rank, 

Proud of the laurels that they had won. 

III. 

And where are the plumes that were with us then.> 

Some are still in the open field, 
Brave as of old and a sight for men, 

Teaching the young their swords to wield; 



LOOKING BEYOND. 25 

And some are here with their conflicts o'er, 
Yet watching with all the zeal of old, 

Recalling the tales of the days of yore 
Of fights as fair and of men as bold. 

IV. 

And some, ah! some we may seek in vain, 

While eyes grow wet with the sense of loss; 
For never the trumpet can wake again 

The forms that sleep 'neath the mounds of moss. 
And never we muse on the bygone days 

But the thoughts revert to the valiant Knights, 
Sacred in memory, worthy of praise, 

Leaders and sharers in all our fights. 

V. 

And so, we watch from our resting place. 

We who are with you yet awhile, 
The forms of beauty, of strength and grace, 

With cheerful words, and encouraging smile. 
The years may come, and the years may go. 

With changes of fortune for one and all. 
But the eye must flash and the cheek must glow. 

And the spirit answer the fireman's call. 



26 LOOKING BEYOND. 



MADALINE. 

She stands among the glist'ning flowers, 

Madaline! 
The blossoms falling 'round in showers, 

Madaline! 
Her sweet bright face ablaze with glee, 
For sure she has a thought of me. 

Madaline! 

Upon her fair bright brow, the curls 

Madaline! 
Proclaim her sweetest of the girls. 

Madaline! 
The smile that beams upon her face 
Denotes possession of God's grace. 

Madaline! 

The birds that carol up on high 

Madaline! 
Repeat their song as they pass by; 

Madaline! 
As if to utter in a prayer, 
A blessing to that vision fair, 

Madaline! 

O maiden fair! To thee my song 

Madaline, 
In praises sweetly floats along; 

Madaline! 



I 



LOOKING BEYOND. 27 

May love and happiness e'er reign 
Within your Hfe, to banish pain, 
Madaline! 



A MESSAGE. 

She stood among the flowers, 

Nature's picture true; 
And I am sure she'd gladden 

The heart of me and you. 
Now see her pluck a flower 

And pin it on her breast; 
Oh, what a dream of heaven! 

Oh, what a happy rest! 

Little flower I vie you 

The happy place you hold; 
The fragrance of your petals 

You surely must unfold. 
Go tell her, will you, for me. 

That I am waiting here, — 
Am waiting for her coming 

To fill my heart with cheer. 



28 LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE CLERGYMAN'S PRAYER. 

The following poem was written after hearing related the 
story of a Clergyman's first voyage across the ocean. 

The summons came and he must go 

Across the ocean wide, 
To preach the gospel to all men 

Upon the other side. 
So bidding all his friends adieu, 

He from them then departs; 
He seeks a cabin on the ship. 

And on his journey starts. 

A little while and then the land. 

Receding from his view, 
Is left behind, and sad in heart 

He turns to watch the crew. 
The sailor boys seem gay and glad. 

And happy in their part. 
The cheerfulness relieves the load 

That presses on his heart. 

Three days from land the scene is changed 

And mighty storms arise; 
With thunder's peal and lightning's flash 

Dark clouds obscure the skies. 
The captain's voice is heard o'er all. 

Each man is at his post, 
And work with firm and grim resolve, 

For duty is their boast. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 29 

The clergyman with trembling form 

To the captain makes his way, 
And speaking in a falt'ring voice 

The captain hears him say: 
*'Oh, captain is there danger here? 

Will this hour be our last ? ' ' 
When lo, he hears an awful curse 

From a sailor, as he passed. 

The captain pointing forward, said: 

"Go near to yonder men, 
And note their actions and their words. 

And then report again." 
Then cautiously he started on 

And makes his way along. 
Until he stands as one of them 

Among a cursing throng. 

He to the captain then returns 

And speaks in great alarm; 
He tells him how they curse and swear, 

And seem to fear no harm. 
The captain speaks: " Cheer up, good man. 

For when they curse and swear 
You may be sure that we are safe — 

There is no danger there." 

Well satisfied he goes below 

And seeks to find repose; 
But every moment seems an hour — 

Back to the deck he goes, 



30 LOOKING BEYOND. 

And cautiously he makes his way 

To where the sailors are; 
He see them busy at their work, 

But still they curse and swear. 

The captain sees him move along, 

With fear upon his face; 
And then there seems to be a change 

And gladness takes its place. 
He turns — the captain drawing near, 

Hears from his lips this prayer, 
As with clasped hands he looks above- 

" Thank God that they still swear." 



LOOKING BEYOND. 31 



CHRISTMAS. 

Oh angel throng, so sweetly singing, 

What message lieth in thy strain. 
So grandly from the heavens ringing 
Each glorious note entrancement bringing 
Unto the lowly shepherd train ? 
Oh angel throng 
Thy blessed song 
Through ages past doth echo still 
** Peace on earth, to men good will." 

Oh joyful bells, so sweetly pealing. 

Send glad tidings far and wide, 
What message glad are ye revealing. 
That so can stir the heart with feeling. 
It only knows at Christmas-tide ? 
Oh joyful bells 
Your music swells 
And echoes over every hill 
" Peace on earth, to men good will." 

Oh Christmas-tide, when joyful madness 

Possesses every Christian heart; 
When Poverty forgets its sadness, 
And Charity bestoweth gladness, 
What lesson sweet doth thou impart ? 
Oh, Christmas-tide, 
Both far and wide 
This precept grand thou dost instill, 
" Peace on earth, to men good will." 



32 LOOKING BEYOND. 

And would that this blest fellow-feeling 
Would always last beyond this least; 
That some hearts then were less congealing, 
And Poverty in suppliance kneeling 
Might hope to see its woes decreased. 
Then Christmas bells, 
Your joyful swells 
Would peal out louder, grander still, 
" Peace on earth, to men good will." 



LOOKING BEYOND. 33 



, VIVIA'S PRAYER. 

ViviA came to me last night 
In her httle robe of white, 
" Off to bed," I gently said. 
As she raised her golden head. 
Gazed into my face, and slow 
Came this whisper, soft and low: 
" Mamma, aint this C'ris'mas night ? " 
*' Yes, my darling, you are right." 
"Den dear Santa Taus will tum 
Wif his toys and b'ing me some, 
Won't he mamma ? " " Yes," I said, 
As I placed her in the bed. 
Wrapt the quilt around her, then 
Went back to my work again. 

But my thoughts were all with her, 
'Till my vision seemed to blur; 
And I laid my work away. 
Listening heard my Vivia say 
As I glided up the stair. 
Saw her kneeling sweet and fair, 
"Santa Taus, p'ease to me bring 
Pretty toys and pretty things. 
And a doll to laugh and cry. 
And answer when I say good-bye. 
And bring my mamma a new dress, 
Dear Santa, that is all I guess." 



34 LOOKING BEYOND. 

Then she tumbled into bed, 
Covered up her golden head, 
And fell asleep. I went below 
To where my darling husband Joe 
Was sitting, and I told him all. 
Next morning Vivia got her doll 
And pretty things, and I my dress. 
" Dear Santa heard my prayer I dess 
Last night when I went up to bed," 
In joyful glee my Vivia said. 
And Christmas in our home was fair. 
And papa said 'twas Vivia's prayer. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 35 



A RETROSPECT. 

Love, could I clasp your hand to-night, 

And view again thy dreamful eyes. 
Could feel again that mad delight 

Which thrilled my soul's dear mysteries. 
Could I but know your presence near 

To-night, this hour, oh, God! for me 
Life would forget its sorrows, drear, 

And I would live again for thee. 

The past is flushed with ruby red; 

I view it thro' a mist of tears; 
The halo lingers on thy head, 

Nor changes with the changing years. 
Dear Lord! how bright the vision is! 

And yet, the present is so dark 
To one who in his miseries, 

Finds of Hope's embers not a spark. 

What vision held thy soul, my sweet, 

To woo thee from thine other soul ? 
What song could make it more complete 

Which was before a perfect whole ? 
Oh, come again, my love, my own. 

To one whom ''tide nor time " has changed: 
To one who maketh wail and moan 

O'er heart that only Death estranged. 



36 LOOKING BEYOND, 

Love, can you hear the moan I make ? 

Or can you see the tears that swell ? 
I almost fancy hearts may break 

In pulsing with a funeral knell! 
I sit beside the fire to-night, 

My shadow quivers on the wall, 
I watch it by the shifting light 

With eyes beholding but a pall! 

How lonely! oh, how desert drear 

The world has waned for life and me! 
Each note that vibrates on the ear 

Is but a dreary threnody! 
The wind howls low about the pane; 

My heart throbs dull, and dead and thick; 
In keeping with the weeping rain 

I hear the clock's half-muffled tick. 

A heart forgets a vanished bliss, 

Sorrow remembers evermore; 
The sweet pain of a parting kiss 

Will linger until life is o'er; 
A joy is but a passing thrill 

A bitter stroke is mighty woe, 
To stifle, not to maim or kill 

With the dull horror of the blow. 

Sorrow feeds only on itself, 

Forgetful of all outer things 
As gloats the miser on his pelf. 

Nor hears the hymn an angel sings. 



Looking beyond. 37 

How like a child's unconscious cry, 
Death-stricken, knowing pain alone, 

Till life is but a lengthened sigh 
That merges in a dreary moan. 

Thus do I pass my endless days 

As in a fold of some dark shroud, 
Not caring whither tend my ways, 

'Neath summer sky, or winter cloud; 
Knowing my Hfe is placed apart, 

A selfish, aching void to be, 
Till death shall ease the bitter smart. 

And I have gained Eternity. 

Oh, darling, reach a hand from out 

The other world, and rend away 
The clouds of fear, distrust and doubt, 

That I may gain the Inner Day! 
For I am fearful in the gloom, 

And can but cease my yearning cry, 
If, like the shadow in the room, 

My soul could waver, feint and die! 



38 LOOKING BEYOND. 



EVELYN— A MEMORY. 

Evelyn, queen of the garden, sat 
Beneath the branches of a tree 
Her bright face beaming, gay and free. 
Around her flowers of many hues 
GHstened beneath the morning dews. 

I strolled adown the lane, and thus 

This lovely vision fell beneath my view; 

I stood entranced, thrilled through and through. 

I could not move, I could not pass, 

I fell beside her on the grass. 

Oh, what a feeling of delight! 
Oh, what a heaven, raptuous bliss! 
My very soul seem'd to be kissed 
Into a dream of joy and peace 
From which I could seek no release. 

I know not what I said or did, 

But as we parted in the even 

Her sweet life-promise was given, 

And Evelyn, queen of my heart 

Was mine for aye, " till death us part." 

Long years have passed away. Alone 
I tread the weary path of life 
My heart is dead, and in the strife, 
I plead that welcome day to come. 
When we shall meet again, at home! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 39 



ONE YEAR TO-DAY. 

One year to-day 
Did mark the time she passed away 
And left me here. O bitter fate 
That makes my life disconsolate! 
Why did you seize upon the one 
And bear away the life begun, 
That gleamed upon this world of light 
Outshining all, it was so bright; 
Didst bear away the angel strain 
That now I listen for in vain 
To catch the music of the voice 
That in its tone caused to rejoice 
My very soul; that filled with fire, 
And gave to me my heart's desire; 
That freed this life of pain and sighs 
And made this earth a paradise ? 

Now she is gone, 
And I am left to weep alone, 
To weep alone. 
The heart that once was gay and free 
Is now depressed in misery; 
The hopes that with ambition gleamed 
Are dead; the happy life that seemed 
Would never end, with pleasure teeming- 
With many happy days of dreaming, 



4o LOOKING BEYOND. 

All, all have followed her away; 
But God is just, what can we say? 
O darling in your home above 
Look down upon one who did love 
You while on earth; who still reveres, 
Whose life is now a vale of tears! 
Look ye down upon him here, 
And know his love true and sincere. 
The silvery stars that shine at night 
Remind me of that vision bright; 
Remind me of that loving face 
That now is missing from its place. 

What is death? 
Is it the taking of the breath 
That links the body with the soul ? 
What can death claim for its goal ? 
Ah, life is true, death is just! 
We all must die, 'tis dust to dust. 
These are my thoughts, but it is true 
That others might be claimed, and you 
Be left to cheer my weary heart, 
And cause the old-time love to start. 
But God is just. We cannot ask 
Why it is thus. Life is a task 
We all must undertake to fill. 
He gave us reason and the will 
To conquer all that is not right. 
He gave us weapons for the fight. 



Your days are o'er 
And you have reached that blessed shore 



LOOKING BEYOND. 41 

Where angels sing, where anthems ring 

In praises to the heavenly king. 

I have the battle yet to fight; 

The enemy has come in sight 

And now stands ready for the strife; 

He longs to rob me of the life 

That God has given. O, dariing one! 

I ask your prayers. To-morrow's sun 

May gleam as bright as yesterday, 

But am I still upon the way 

That leads to heaven ? I only wait 

The angely call, if soon, or late, 

I hope to join you in your home 

Where pain and sorrow never come. 



42 LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE SILVER JUBILEE. 

Read at the Jubilee celebration of Rev, Brother Anthony, of 
the Christian Brothers College, May 9, 1891. 

O BROTHER of the Christian tie, 

Beloved twixt sea and sea, 
We came this day to celebrate 

Thy silver jubilee. 
We come with hearty grasp of hand. 

Kind wish and grateful tears 
To crown the work thy hands have wrought 

These five and twenty years. 

Devotion's part thy chosen lot! 

' Thy purposes, how grand; 

To guide the youthful mind to God, 

To watch the growing hand; 
To keep in paths of truth and right 

The footsteps of the young. 
To train the thoughts of childhood and 

To guard the eager tongue. 

Along the five and twenty years 

These flowers bloom and blow; 
Across thy path of duty now 

No weeds their shadows throw. 
In every land thy brothers dwell. 

Their lives, like thine, are given 
To that delightful, holy task 

By angels blessed in heaven. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 43 

The mind cannot conceive the worth 

Of labor such as thine; 
It is the constant toil that wins 

The fruitage of the vine; 
But thou hast wrought because thy soul 

Was in the work to do; 
Thy love entwines the youthful heart 

Like tendrals warm and true. 

Throughout the world the brethren work, 

And many a one to-day 
Will weave for thee a chaplet fair, 

For thy success will pray. 
Their hearts, like ours, are with thee now. 

Their love a holy tie, 
Descends upon thee, brother, like 

A blessing from on high. 

Thy work is done, when, like the flower, 

Thy gentle life will close. 
When shuts the book of life as shuts 

At eventide the rose; 
And then shall come the great reward, 

Unspeakable, unknown, 
Then shalt thou hear the rapturous words; 

"Servant of God, well done!" 

Beloved by youth, without a foe, 

Thy life, how sweet and calm; 
As full of holy music as 

The psalmists sweetest psalm. 



44 LOOKING BEYOND, 

Within these five and twenty years 

Of duty, not a day 
Stands wasted. Each a milestone is 

To mark thy noble way. 

We wish for thee, O brother true, 

Full many a jubilee 
As bright as this, with friends around, 

With smiles and love for thee; 
And may thy life-work brighter grow 

Until the end is come, 
Until the watchful Father's voice 

Bids thee a welcome home. 

Our hearts are thine this joyful day; 

Thy work our spirits cheer; 
We crown with sweet affection's flow'rs 

This five and twentieth year 
Of Christian work and Christian worth 

For Purity and Truth; 
We bless the lips that daily train 

The tender mind of youth. 

So, brother of the kindly word. 

And of the beauteous deed. 
Remember that we one and all 

Extend to thee ** God-speed." 
And may we all together meet 

Where breaks the Jasper sea. 
And celebrate in Heaven's courts 

An endless jubilee. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 45 



TRUST IN GOD. 

Trust in God! He is the friend 
In every sorrow to defend. 
He watches o'er us as we go 
Through joy and pleasure, pain and woe. 
He is the Master, we must move 
Beneath His never-ending love. 
With trust in Him our life will be 
Free from all earth's misery. 

Trust in God! He is the guide 
In whom without fear to confide; 
Mayhap when sorrows on us fall, 
We falter, hesitate — loose all! 
No! place your trust in Him above, 
He will repay you with His love. 
His love! What could delight us more 
Than knowing that He watches o'er? 



46 LOOKING BEYOND. 



AT REST. 

'Tis night. The stars are peeping out 

As I my vigil keep, 
And watch the form with shrouds about 

In her eternal sleep! 
Slow the hours are passing by; 

To me they mock in pain, 
For death will soon my thoughts deny: 

And O! This world is vain! 

Sweet Josephine! And she is dead! 

What is this life to me ? 
No more to hear her gentle tread, 

Her laughter gay and free; 
No more to look into her eyes, 

That on me used to smile; 
Oh! visions of the heavenly skies! 

Can prayers your aid beguile ? 

My darling dead. In purest white 

She lies before me here; 
Earth cannot give a grander sight. 

Nor heaven give a peer. 
The silent lips! Could they unfold 

The words they fain yould speak! 
Oh, angels at the gates of Gold, 

Your splendor is but weak. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 47 

And nevermore to hear the voice 

That thrilled me with delight; 
My eyes with tears are dim and moist; 

Oh, loved one there in white! 
Soon will end this life for me, 

When in eternal love 
We'll meet again upon that shore, 

Within your home above! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



JOSEPHINE. 

Methinks I saw a tear 

Stray down your cheek my dear, 

And nestle where it fell; 
Can it be that you sorrow ? 
Cheer up, perhaps tomorrow 

Will say that all is well. 

To-day the clouds may hover, 
And sorrows shadow over 

Where once was pleasure's scene; 
But do not be dispairing, 
To-morrow's joy comparing 

Will greet you, Josephine. 

Do not be melancholy; 
Make life a day of jolly 

Joys and pleasures, Josephine. 
When sorrow comes adoring. 
We, spurningly, ignoring. 

Will place our happiness between. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 49 



A WELCOME. 

TO MISS ANNIE PIXLEY. 

We welcome you among us once again, 

With hearts filled with pleasure and delight; 
The life that you are leading — not in vain — 

Will cause our own to gleam, and be more bright. 
We welcome you with open hand and heart, 

The favorite of our fair city's choice; 
M'Liss, whose memory will ne'er depart 

But in yourself still lives, and bid rejoice. 

The southern heart is warmer than the sun 

When once it has been captured, and to you 
We do bestow as being just the one 

Who e'er will cherish such a token true. 
Your smiles, as born upon the wings of peace, 

Entangled in the meshes of esteem 
We honor, and we would not seek release 

From such a sweet, enchanting, lovely dream. 

Dream! Ah, must we give it such a name ? 

But what more fitting word could we procure. 
Revealing to you the all-undying flame, 

That in your keeping will remain secure ? 
You have been with us often, and we know 

Your heart is in your acting, true, sincere; 
Take ours, no fitter emblem could we show, 

To give to you a hearty welcome here. 



50 LOOKING BEYOND, 



TWENTY YEARS AGO. 

Read at the twentieth anniversary of the Christian Brothers 
College, Memphis, Tenn, 

Assembled here, we look to-day 

Adown the vistas of the years, 
And great hope's bright transcendent ray 

Which on the horizon appears; 
For us the songs of praise arise, 

For us the golden waters flow; 
And o'er us bend the gentle skies 

As bent they twenty years ago. 

O Father, in whose loving hand 

The destinies of man repose. 
Look down upon our little band 

That grew and blossomed like the rose; 
On all who doeth Thy precious will 

The unction of Thy love bestow, 
And let each heart to-day be filled 

With thoughts of twenty years ago. 

The little seed the brethren sowed 

Fell not upon the barren way, 
But like the oak beside the road, 

It grew, and stately stands to-day. 
They watched its growth with tender care 

In morning's burst and twilight's glow; 
They sanctified it with their prayer 

By God blessed twenty years ago. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 51 

With hearts to dare and wills to do 

They trusted in Omnipotence, 
And faced like heroes tried and true 

The power of the pestilence. 
Amid the shadows cold and black 

The treasured seed of love did grow, 
And thrived beside the awful track 

That death made 'mong us years ago. 

No wonder that in autumn gray 

We celebrate with praise and rhyme. 
No wonder that our hearts to-day 

Go back across the waste of time; 
Above, our college stretches far, 

In glorious arc hope's dazzling bow. 
And o'er it shines the golden star 

That cheered us twenty years ago. 

O Brother President, receive 

The rich reward of labor done. 
The love of all whose hearts believe 

That honor's prize is grandly won. 
Our thoughts to thee this holy hour 

Doth outward like a river flow, 
We bless the hand, we own the power 

That builded twenty years ago. 

As clings the vine about the tree. 
The stately monarch of the wood, 

So clings each pupil's love to thee, 
O teacher of the pure and good. 



52 LOOKING BEYOND, 

Thy work, it stands on every side 
In summer's sun and winter's glow; 

But for thy care the seed had died 
We planted twenty years ago. 

The pupils passed beyond thy care 

Remember every fleeting day 
The college, hallowed by prayer, 

Where holy learning held her sway. 
The paths they chose within its walls 

Grow brighter as they older grow; 
Upon them like a blessing falls 

The memories of long ago. 

Not one has stained the 'scutcheon fair, 

Not one of all has turned aside; 
Still in each heart as pure as air, 

The teachings of the truth abide. 
If eyes grow moist this precious day, 

If old-time voices whisper low, 
Reniember 'tis affection's day, 

With thoughts of twenty years ago. 

O fellow-comrades in the band, 

Doth not our hearts to-day reveal 
Unto our Alma Mater grand. 

The truest love that hearts can feel ? 
And as we gather here to-night. 

Around the festive board, we know 
That every wish and every thought 

Is linked with twenty years ago. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 53 

We honor and revere the name 

Of Christian Brother. In their hand 
We place our own with grasp as firm 

As human feelings can command. 
O may the love of heaven fall 

And crown their labors with success 
For years to come, and intertwine 

Their lives with joy and happiness. 



54 LOOKING BEYOND. 



A TRUE KNIGHT. 

Read at a reception given the tragedian, Robert Downing, by 
the Knights of Pythias of Memphis. 

He stands among us here to-night, 
A noble brother of our band, 
Possessor of a name revered 
Throughout the length of Pythian land. 
He comes and gives the friendly call, 
And by that visit shows the love 
Unto the brotherhood of men, 
Blessed by the hand of Him above. 

We prize your call. Knight Downing true, 

And in the after years 'twill be 

A scene on which we'll love to gaze 

With true delight and ecstacy. 

And memory will recall the time 

When hand met hand in friendly grasp; 

For it is honor to be held 

By such a famous, noble clasp. 

Turn back the leaves and call the day 
When first you entered in our fold; 
What then appeared as dull as lead. 
Must now be bright as purest gold. 
And moments, oh! how happy spent 
Within the lodge with brothers true; 
O 'tis a thought sublime to us, 
It must be one of joy to you. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 55 

Dost thou recall the trio named 
By Pythian tongues and Pythian hearts, 
Which, as they fall upon the ear, 
Renews our faith and fear departs ? 
True Friendship, Charity, and then 
Benevolence completes the three; 
The guiding stars to lead us on, 
So dear to you, and dear to me. 

True Knight, in days to come, when years 
Have sprinkled all our heads with gray. 
And we are old, within our hearts 
Will live a memory of to-day. 
The brothers of our city fair. 
Unto you homage doth proclaim, 
And in each Pythian heart will live 
A love for Robert Downing's name. 



56 LOOKING BEYOND. 



CHANGES. 

TO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

There is no joy that will not end, 

No pain but will depart; 
The grandest pleasures fade away 

And sorrows leave the heart. 
The smile of friendship is a balm 

That in its turn will die; 
The love that every mortal craves 

Will turn into a sigh. 

The tears of grief will pass away, 

Recalling pleasure's smile; 
The footsteps dear of them we love 

Will linger yet awhile 
When death will bear their souls away, 

And leave a vacant place, 
When we will long for their return, 

A glimpse of each loved face. 

The world in progress moves along, 

Each day the changes come; 
An hour of joy, an hour of tears. 

Doth mingle in each home. 
And every heart that tastes the sweets 

That earth bestows on man. 
Must feel the power of sorrows touch,— 

Must enter 'neath its ban. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 57 

O knightly band! O brotherhood! 

You have an honored name; 
Throughout the changes you remain 

In acts and deeds the same. 
When sorrows enter in the heart, 

Your kindly deeds appear; 
Your principles doth rule the world, 

Unchanging, true, sincere. 



58 LOOKING BEYOND. 



NOVEMBER LEAVES. 

Dry and sere and gold and brown, 
The November leaves come down; 
Falling, falling, day and night, 
In the dark and in the light; 
One by one, and two by two. 
Falling lightly as the dew; 
Twirling, whirling as they fall 
Like a mantle over all. 
Beautiful in gold and brown. 
The November leaves come down. 

No more are green the falling leaves 
Stern old Autumn ne'er reprieves; 
Falling, faUing, like the snow. 
Or a feather flutt'ring slow. 
Twirling, whirling, round and round. 
Covering over all the ground — 
Covering grass, and brook and glen. 
Covering path and glade and fen. 
Beautiful in gold and brown, 
The November leaves come dpwn, 



LOOKING BEYOND, 59 



THE MOCKING-BIRD. 



Oh, songster of the hazy wood! 

Your lay- 
That with sweet inspiration sung 
Is never equalled by the tongue 
Of man, — Is never understood 
By those who listen to your song, 
As on the air it floats along 

To-day. 

What love can fitter praises sing 

Than you ? 
We all bow down before the King — 
The ruler of the universe! 
But all our pray'rs can but immerse 
Into nothing — when we hear 
Your daily song, true and sincere. 

About from tree to tree you fly, 
Down to the earth, then to the sky; 
The while, in gladness giving forth 
Your melody to men on earth! 
True hearts may live. But can they be 
Methinks, compared along with thee ? 
When to the world you give your song, 
You stand alone amid the throng. 



6o LOOKING BEYOND, 



BEAUTIFUL. 

TO MISS MADALINE GUSMANI (1888). 

Beautiful are the stars that shine 

And twinkle in the sky, 
When care and toil are left behind 

And time for rest is nigh; 
And beautiful the silvery moon 

That lights the darkest way, 
At night when birds have hushed their tune, 

And stilled their sweetest lay. 

Beautiful the mid-day sun, 

To cheer us through life's pain, — 
That sinks to rest when day is done, 

To come in the morn again. 
And beautiful the flowers bright 

That scent the air around; 
They lend a pleasure to the night 

When hushed is every sound. 

Beautiful the song of birds; 

In singing their sweet praise, 
Their carol sounds the sweetest words 

That pen of man can raise. 
And beautiful is Nature true; — 

The forest, wood, and vales — 
When glist'ning 'neath th' morning dew, 

And peace and quiet prevails. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 61 

Beautiful are Nature's chimes, 

And grander still her song; 
But sweeter are the poet's rhymes 

Amid the worldly throng; 
When on the pinions of the blest, 

He soars the heaven above, 
Where in contentment, peace, and rest, 

The reign of all is — Love! 

Beautiful the thought of home 

With dearest friends to cheer, 
Where welcome feet will ever come, 

And voices held most dear. 
Dear and sweet are truest friends 

To cheer our weary heart, 
When Providence a sorrow sends 

To sting us with its dart. 

O, beautiful indeed, are all 

The workings of our God! 
And beautiful His Holy call, 

When we're laid 'neath the sod. 
Dear the thoughts of heaven. Bright 

The hopes of eternal rest; 
Where peace dispels our weary night. 

We mingle with the blest. 

O beautiful! O beautiful! 

Are promises to us given; — 
If we to Him be dutiful. 

Our triumph will be heaven! 
But while on earth the dearest prize — 

The fairest ever seen — 
The being fair with angel eyes, 

'Tis you, sweet Madaline. 



62 LOOKING BEYOND. 



BRIGHT GLEAMS. 

Often in this world of sorrow 

As we plod along through care, 
Comes a glimpse of bright to-morrow, 

Beaming bright, with radiance fair; 
And we see the tide a-turning, 

Bringing to us peace and rest; 
While within our hearts the yearning 

Soars us to the realms of blest. 

Oh, 'tis then, that we should ever 

Praise and thank the One above, 
And should make our best endeavor 

To repay Him for His love. 
For in pity He will save us. 

And if we but do our share 
With the knowledge that He gave us, 

We shall meet Him happy there. 

Let us then be up and doing, 

Against temptation bravely stand, 
In the path of Right persuing, 

And with Truth go hand in hand; 
Then our happiness is certain, 

And when this frail life is o'er, — 
When we feel death's folding curtain 

We shall join our friends before. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 63 



THE MISER. 

Who is it with the forlorn look, 
Who seeks in every nitch and nook, 
And feels that he has been "forsook?" 
The miser! 

Who, when it is time to retire, 
Sits in his chair, before the fire, 
And seems to have but one desire ? 
The miser! 

Who is it when in business hours 
Sits in his office bare of flowers 
And rakes the * * shekels " in in showers ? 
The miser! 

Who stores away his precious gold, 
And multiplies it many fold, 
And keeps it when " he gets a hold ? " 
The miser! 

Who, when time comes for him to die, 
Gives up, and heaves a sigh, ** Oh, my! " 
To leave his gold, he don't know why ? 
The miser! 



64 LOOKING BEYOND. 



MORN. 

O'er the earth with smiling tender, 
Breaks the morn in dazzHng splendor; 

On the mountain, 

In the fountain, 
Tinting e'en the hilltops hoary. 
Shimmering the vales with glory. 
Brightening up the darkened east, 
Giving light to man and beast. 

The moon with its face of beauty. 
Now fulfilled its heavenly duty, 

Has slunk away, 

Gives place to-day; 
And the sun in splendor streaking. 
All the world seems to be speaking 
Songs and praises to the maker — 
To the giver and the taker. 

And the gleams of light ascending, 
O'er the sky of blue expanding. 
And now so bright. 
Where once was night. 
Streams the faint azalia beaming. 
As a million lamp-lights gleaming; 
Flaming a matted aureole 
Of glittering silver and gold. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 65 

And the birds so gaily singing, 

Fill the wood with their sweet ringing; 

'Mid the trees, 

In the breeze. 
See them high above us soaring, 
And in their sweet songs adoring 
Him who cares for them by night, 
Him who gives to them daylight. 



66 LOOKING BEYOND, 



A LAMENTATION. 

Call back those youthful days again, 

When I was free from care; 
When this poor heart ne'er had a pain, 

No miseries to bear. 
Oh, let them once again be mine, 

Those youthful days of yore; — 
Those days when life did brightest seem, 

Which I shall see no more. 

Could I but backward turn again 

And life begin anew, 
And follow on Life's narrow lane. 

With purpose good and true. 
How gladly would I take them back, 

And, as a child, again to roam, 
'Mid pleasures of those happy days 

Which ne'er again will come. 

O, sad to think that they are past 

To ne'er again return, 
Though we may linger to the last, 

And for their coming yearn. 
Though we may weep in bitter tears. 

And for their presence pray, 
Gone are those happy childhood days 

Forever and for aye. 



LOOKING BEYOND, 67 



LINES. 

TO FRANK E. FOSTER, IOWA FALLS, IOWA. 

Dear Frank, to-day 
My life is happy as the May; 
And my thoughts are all of thee, 

Are all with thee. 
And have you still a thought of me ? 
And of the days that now are past ? 
Can you recall the day when last 
I took your hand, and heard your voice ? 
When in our hearts we did rejoice 

At being together ? 

But ah, too soon 
The day had deepened into noon, 
And we must part. Hold sacred this, — 
That moment was a time of bliss 
And happiness. Earth cannot give 
A joy that will endure and live, 
So ours did end. You went your way. — 
Can memory a joy convey? 
It must be so, for I have seen 
Full many flowers upon the green, 
Wither and die. Their bloom and scent 
Still leaves an air of true content, 
To show that memory will hold 
Enduring thoughts as pure as gold. 



68 LOOKING BEYOND. 

And this is true: 
My every thought has been of you, 

Has been of you. 
And on your path if you may find 
A day of sorrow, call to mind 
Each others love. It is a thought 
That with true inspiration wrought 
Lives in the heart. In every breast 
There is a feeling of unrest 

That will not down. 

But Frank, I know 
That in your heart there is a glow 
Of true devotion. If I have been 
At any time — if you have seen 
In all my actions one deceit, 
I ask your pardon, to complete 

My happiness. 
My heart is with you. Can it be 
As I am thinking now of thee. 
Your thoughts are mine ? I trust 'tis so; 
For many years may come and go. 
Still I am thine forevermore — 
Until this earthly life is o'er! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 69 



A WISH. 

The wedding-bells have sounded on the air; 

True and loving hearts are linked as one. 
The bride and groom start life with visions fair, 

Forgetting sorrows that are passed and gone. 
The future seems a bright and peaceful dream, 

With happiness and peace to light the way; 
We wish that so 'twill be — not only seem — 

And be to them a sweet reality. 



70 LOOKING BEYOND, 



SPIRIT EYES. 

On a summer Sunday evening, 

As the sun was sinking low, 
I sat gazing to the westward 

Where the sky was all aglow. 
When unto my fevered fancy 

Such a glorious vision came 
That I felt myself enchanted, 

And I spoke in awe His name. 

To a throne of wondrous beauty 

Then the sinking sun was changed. 
And it seemed that all around it 

Full ten thousand angels ranged; 
While a sea of shining faces 

Stretched away on either hand. 
And a world of happy children 

Stood before Him in a band. 

Oh, how long I gazed in wonder 

At the ever-changing scene! • 
How I longed to be transported 

To that glorious realm serene! 
And my fancy grew yet stronger. 

Till at last with one accord 
Many thousand harps and viols 

Sounded in harmonious chord. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 71 

Then the wondrous vision ended, 

And the sun sank out of sight, 
And the angels and the children 

Were but clouds all tinted bright. 
And the fancy that was broken 

Would no other picture bring, 
Yet through all my waken *d conscience 

Did that heavenly music ring. 



I DREAMPT LAST NIGHT. 

I DREAMPT last night you came to me 

As the stars began to peep; 
You kissed my lips, and pressed my hand. 

And fondled me to sleep. 
The birds were singing lullabys. 

And angel bands did play; 
When I awoke from out my dream 

And frightened you away. 

I dreampt last night— oh, sweetest dream! 

That you had said "be mine!" 
And I — I was in heaven then — 

You knew I'd not decline. 
You took my hand, when, like the view 

Of some far distant scene. 
You seem'd to fade away, and then, 

I knew 'twas but a dream! 



72 LOOKING BEYOND, 



SWEET THOUGHTS. 

'Mid the gleaming rays of brightness, 

Coming through my sanctum door, 
Bathing all the room in splendor, 

As the world moves on before. 
Sit I down in thoughtful silence, 

Thoughts that e'er shall cheer my heart. 
Thoughts with love and duty glowing 

That will in my breast upstart. 

And what thoughts ? the stars of beauty, 

That illume the heavenly dome 
When at night a calm has settled. 

Are no brighter. Of that home. 
That home where peace and joy forever 

Bestrews the path of blessed there; 
These are thoughts that e'er will cheer me. 

And drive from out my heart despair. 

Of our brothers, dear and loved ones, 

Brothers that were ever dear; 
Brothers whose bright smile of welcome 

Gave unto our hearts good cheer. 
Brothers who have long departed, 

And now make their home above, 
Where in never-ending pleasure 

They rejoice fore'er in love. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 73 

These are thoughts that long I'll cherish, 

Cherish 'till this life is o'er; 
Till the soul has left the body 

For that everlasting shore. 
For that shore where loved ones wait us, 

Where we meet, no more to part; 
Where we join our loving brothers, 

Hand with hand, and heart with heart. 



74 LOOKING BEYOND. 



ON THE TENTED FIELD. 



Dedicated to the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of the 
world. 



Gaze upon the field of glory, 

And the sight our eyes behold, 
Tells to us the loving story 

Of the gallant Knights of old. 
'Neath the loved and honored banner 

Waving in the gentle breeze, 
Onward march the noble Pythians, 

Theme for future histories. 

II. 

Many tongues will voice your praises 

When your swords are laid aside, 
And your souls have journeyed yonder 

Where true love and faith abide. 
Keep your record. It will brighten 

All the world in years to come; 
It will tell the story over 

Of your deeds so grandly done. 

III. 

O the bravest hearts are sheltered 
'Neath the Pythian uniform! 

O the grandest deeds have issue, 
From each noble, gallant form! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 75 

Let the winds in silence whisper 

Of the trust of Pythian love; 
It will find response from heaven, 

Blessed by Him who reigns above. 

IV. 

There are none whose ranks are higher 

For each soul is but a part 
Of the purest deeds of kindness 

Issued from a Pythian heart. 
And if Love is King all over 

As 'tis said, then go and tell 
Of their lives, and of their actions, 

Emblemizing it so* well. 

V. 

Gaze upon the field of glory, 

Wondrous sight for eyes to see;— 
Forty thousand Knights of Pythias 

In a loving company. 
Brothers joined by bands together; 

Bands that never break in twain. 
But will live throughout the ages,— 

Works that^will not be in vain. 

VI. 

O the grandeur of our Order! 

Say, can any mortal tell, — 
Can the world show any record 

That has prospered half so well ? 
Ask the stars that beam above us, 

Ask the winds that waft along. 

Ask the world can it produce us 
A more dear or sweeter song! 



76 LOOKING BEYOND, 

VII. 

And its members, — they are legion! 

See them come from every side; 
No, we will not call them strangers, 

Tho' their homes are far and wide. 
They are brothers and we greet them, 

Greet them as a dearest friend, 
For they love us with a ferver 

That will last unto the end. 

VIII. 

Gaze upon the field of glory, 
See the mighty throng of men 

Marching onward, 'neath their leaders, 
They are up in arms again! 

Up in arms, but not for battle. 

For their swords are laid in peace; 
And the wings of friendship spreading 

Joins them in a loving feast. 



IX. 



O ye comrades! Speechless stand we 

In the light of your great deeds; 
And we see in bonds of friendship 

Men of every sect, and creed. 
All are brothers, noble Pythians! 

And your lives will ever be 
Emblems of that gallant Order, 

Of our trio, F. C. B. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 77 



When this age in its progression 

Passes from the sight of men, 
Then your story oft repeated 

Ever glorious will reign. 
From the lips of unborn nations 

Shall your history be told, 
While 'tis written by the angels 

On a page of purest gold. 

XI. 

There is glory in the knowledge 

That the Pythian love will reign, 
When beneath the mound we slumber, 

Free from every earthly pain; 
And our deeds will be eternal, 

Doing good forevermore; 
While we gaze upon our labors 

From that blessed and happy shore. 

XII. 

Do your best, nor fear the future. 

For the years must surely add 
To your name and to your glory, 

Only that which makes you glad. 
You have soothed the hearts of many, 

You have carried souls above. 
And the world has given praises. 

Your reward, the Savior's love! 



78 LOOKING BEYOND. 



LOVE'S TRUST. 

Often in this life of many changes, 

The soul and heart is put unto the test; 
Sometimes it seems that Fate the plan arranges, 

And in the end we see that it is best. 
We know not where our feet are onward soaring, 

We only know that He will rule above; 
And on through life we go, the while adoring 

Our Savior who is looking down in love. 



LOOKING BEYOND. , 79 



DARK EYES. 

Dark Eyes! O what a radiant light 

Descends as if from magic fire, 
And to my soul takes instant flight, 

To make life sweet with my desire. 
Dark Eyes! Dark Eyes! 'Tis sweet to live 

Beneath thy ever-glowing fire; 
When 'neath thy glance earth cannot give 

A higher gift, nor heaven inspire. 
My soul is wrapt in heavenly bliss. 

And sorrow is to me unknown; 
Dark Eyes! that all my troubles kiss 

Away, to be forever flown. 
O who can feel the loving thrill. 

The happiness there is to stand 
Within the sphere that you do fill 

And govern with your magic wand! 
Beneath the stars up in the skies. 
You govern all, Dark Eyes! Dark Eyes! 



8o * LOOKING BEYOND. 



SAYINGS. 

Do not speak a word unkind, 
For its power is undefined. 

Give a smile for every tear; 
Joy should reign above the bier. 

Every soul that leaves this earth 
Enters in a second-birth. 

Dream of love, but let it be 
A dream of true sincerity. 

From start to finish, life's a race 
That should o'erflowing be with grace. 

Life is labor! Death is rest! 
Every soul must stand the test. 

Like the sun that gleams so bright, 
We fade away when comes the night. 

Sin's a thing we must expel; 
It drags the soul of man to hell. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



One day, oh that day I shall never forget, 

When I clasped her dear hand in my own; 
The feeling imparted still clings to me yet 

As I pass along sadly alone. 
Oh, the thrill of delight that fond touch imparted. 

Lights up the deep gloom in my breast; 
As through life's sorrows I go broken-hearted 

Forsaken, a stranger to rest. 



Life's pleasures for me have vanished forever; 

Bright hopes once cherished have fled; 
No more the stars gleam brightly, no never, 

For now my one treasure is dead. 
'Tis years since that day as we stood in the gloam- 
ing, 

She promised to ever be mine; 
A radiant vision into womanhood blooming — 

How brightly her blue eyes did shine. 



Maggie my darling! that look shall I cherish; 

Fondly your words will I keep; 
Oh banish the thought that they ever shall perish. 

They come to me even in sleep. 



82 LOOKING BEYOND. 

And I long for the time when Death's angel 
calling 

Shall summon me, dear, to thy side, 
When o'er my weary eyes darkness is falling, 

And I pass over life's ebbing tide. 

Then shall we meet in that kingdom of glory, 
Where dwelleth the good and the blest, 

Where mingle together the young and the hoary. 
Forever in infinite rest. 

Then shall our vows of love be repeated. 
There shall we meet ne'er to part, 

There where the joys of life are completed, 

And sorrows are cast from the heart. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 83 



LIST THE SIGHING. 

List the sighing of the winter's wind, 

As it whirls upon its way, 
Leaving this sad old earth behind 
To greet the approaching day. 
List the sighing, 
Oh, the sighing 
Of the winter's wind. 

List the sighing of the winter's wind 

As through the trees it blows; 

Search for, but never will we find 

In the garden a beautiful rose. 

They have perished. 

Like hopes cherished, 

Killed by the winter's wind. 

List the sighing of the winter's wind, 

Adown the winding lane. 
Where oft I've stood 'mid happy scenes. 
When hopes were not all vain. 
List the sighing, 
Oh the sighing 
Of the winter's wind. 



84 LOOKING BEYOND. 



WHAT IS LOVE? 

I HAVE often thought the meaning 

Of that word that men call " Love!" 
And I've asked, is it a gleaning 

Of the feeling there above ? 
Is it real, or is it phantom ? 

Only fancies of the heart ? 
Or is it but the angel's anthem 

Combined with Life's most truest part ? 

Is it but a tender feeling 

Embedded in all mankind's breast 
That sweeter grows when softly stealing 

And sinks into the heart, its rest ? 
I do not know! Can you the secret 

Clearly to my mind explain ? 
If so you can, then only speak it, 

Let not my pleading be in vain! 



LOOKING BEYOND, 85 



ROSES. 

The roses that bloom in the garden, 

To brighten the world with their sight, 
Seem glad 'neath the rays of the sunshine, 

And fill the lone heart with delight. 
They bloom and bow down in the breezes, 

And seem in their language to say: 
** We live 'neath the care of our Master, 

We follow in His chosen way ? " 

Oh, roses! sweet queens of the garden! 

Your lives are indeed a delight; 
You smile and you chat with the lily, 

You make the whole world gay and bright. 
Long may you live in your splendor, 

A blessing to all of mankind; 
Methinks if we search the world over 

No prettier picture we'd find. 



86 LOOKING BEYOND. 



FAREWELL. 

There is something sad in parting 

That mere words cannot express, 
And the heart is left in sadness 

And is filled with sore distress; 
But the mem'ry of the dear one, 

As he bid you all adieu. 
Is a picture that will ever 

Be to you a vision true. 

Then farewell, may joy surround you 

All the happy years to come. 
And a glorious reign of pleasure 

Beam upon your little home. 
May the stars that shine above you 

Banish every earthly care; 
And the dear ones cling around you. 

Mingling pleasure everywhere. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 87 



A LOVE PLEA. 



Will you be my bonny bride 
Little sweetheart mine ? 

Ever linger at my side 
While I cling to thine! 

Then the days will happy be, 

Free from every misery. 

Sweetest songs will greet our ears, 

Banishing all sighs and tears; 

Every wish you may impart 

Will be pleasure to my heart; 

And the years that fleetly pass 

Will bring joy unto my lass. 

Oh how happy we will be 

Little sweetheart mine! 
Merry hours for you and me, 

'Neath the glad sunshine. 
Every song my pen may write 
Words of love to you indite, 
And the world will understand 
Love is supreme! Love is grand! 
Turn your loving face to mine. 
Let mine eyes gaze into thine. 
That I may see your answer there 
In every look, unto my prayer. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 

Will you be my bonny bride 
Little sweetheart mine ? 

Love will in our home abide, 
Happiness entwine. 

Take my hand and answer "yes; 

Let your throbbing heart confess 

That you love me, as I love you, 

Ever faithful, ever true. 

Oh, the world is glad and fair! 

Songs of joy sound everywhere, 

As our lips in union press. 

And she softly answers "yes! " 



LOOKING BEYOND, % 



TO GERALDINE. 

Whisper softly Geraldine, 

Tell me of your love; 
Lift your loving face to mine — 

An angel's from above. 

Tell me truly, Geraldine, 

Can I call you mine ? 
Will you be my darling wife ? 

For life our hearts entwine. 

'Tis sweet to live, my Geraldine, 
To know that you are near, — 

To know that you are true to me, 
The thought will ever cheer. 

Oh, Geraldine, my Geraldine, 
To you I'll e'er be true; 

And in the coming years of joy 
My heart will beat for you. 



90 LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE TRAMP. 

I WANDER in the streets to-night, 
I have no place to lay my head; 

No one to greet with faces bright, 
My dear ones are all dead! 

One by one, they passed away; 

Sad and lone they left me here, 
And dark has been the brightest day — 

No more their voice I hear. 

The happy days of manhood, spent 
In peaceful dreams of love. 

Have passed away. My form is bent — 
My loved ones are above. 

My hair is white with weight of years; 

My eyes have lost their sight 
And life is but a vale of tears — 

Of darkness — not of light. 

My heart was sad — I took too drink, 

And step by step I fell; 
And people call me "tramp," and sink 

Me deeper into hell! 

Oh, for manhood's days again! — 

'Tis vain to plead I know; 
I must endure my bitter pain. 

Cast out where'er I go. 



LOOKING BEYOND, 91 



BY THE RISE OF THE SUN. 

I SHALL Stroll to the brook by the rise of the sun, 
I shall see the clear waters play there — 

The ripples of water the light falls upon, 
As they pass through the meadows so fair. 

Mayhap I will meet the one that I love- 
Brave Arthur, so loving and fair, 

And while we converse, the sun up above. 
Will drive from our hearts thoughts of care. 

I see him now standing on the bank of the stream. 
Where so often we lovers have met, — 

When many an hour I passed in a dream. 
In a pleasure I ne'er shall forget. 

By the rise of the sun I shall wander again, 
To the banks of that streamlet so fair; 

And there in love's dream, we'll think not of pain. 
But together our happiness share. 



92 LOOKING BEYOND, 



THE YEARNING OF A MOTHER'S 
HEART. 

I DREAM of you to-night, my boy, 

As I lie on my bed of pain, 
And I wonder if the time will come 

When we shall meet again. 
My heart is sad, and life is drear, 

Without your loving smile: — 
Oh, when will God grant me the gift 

To embrace my only child! 

Long years have passed away, my boy. 

Long years of toil and care; 
My once bright eyes have dim'd in sight 

And age came unaware. 
My waving curls that once were black, 

Are white with weight of years, 
And as I think of you to-night 

I can't restrain the tears. 

Oh, will you e'er return, my boy, 

To cheer my ending days ? 
Or must my life fore'er be dark 

Unknown to pleasure's rays ? 
I pray to Him that you will come, 

E'en sooth my dying breath, 
And if I could but clasp your form. 

Oh, welcome then to death. 



LOOKING BEYOND, 93 



CHRISTMAS REVERIE. 

Another year has flown away, 
Since on the last fair Christmas day 
The merry sound of mirth and joy, 
From lips of happy girl and boy. 
Resounded on the winter air 
That ever seemed their joys to share, 
When through the trees, high above 
The sun shone down in beams of love, 
Making all the world rejoice 
And praise their maker in a voice. 

To some a blessed year of light 
Has vanished from their longing sight; 
A year of happiness and joy 
With pleasure filled without alloy; 
They have had no cause for pain, 
It has been to them a gain, 
And the happiness to them given 
Makes earth to them almost a heaven. 
Their year of light has passed away, 
And now begins another day. 

While some have had a peaceful year 
Ne'er marred by pain, ne'er dim'd by tear, 
Oh, sad to think that other hearts, 
Have fallen under sorrows darts; 



94 LOOKING BEYOND. 

And while we here, with laughters sound 

Awake the silence all around, 

Have we a thought of friends now gone 

Who but a year ago, in fun, 

Made the little household ring, 

With the songs they loved to sing ? 

And while in this fair Christmas time 
We hear the pealing church bells chime, 
And listen to the voice and song 
That like a sunbeam moves along, 
Can we be happy when we view 
The names of dear ones, loved and true, 
Whose tender words we longed to hear, 
That how have vanished with the year ? 
Of father, mother, sister, friend, 
Who now with us their pray'rs blend ? 

Shall they vanish from our heart ? 
Shall their memory depart ? 
No! Tho' gone they wait above. 
Beaming bright in tender love. 
Wait for us to join them there. 
Where enters not the world's despair; 
Where all is happiness and peace, 
And where rejoicings never cease; 
Where Faith forever lights the way. 
And where beams bright eternal day! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 95 



FOUND DEAD. 

Found dead! The rest is blank; 

His name we do not know; 
No trace of name or rank — 

Whether friend or foe. 

Oh, who can say his last bright smile 
Did not a faint heart cheer, 

Mayhap caressing a loved child 
Who called him " papa dear." 

Found dead! And not a friend to say 

A prayer above his bier; 
In all the darkness not a ray 

Of light; no smile to cheer, 

No tears to weep, no saddened face, 

No friendly, loving hands 
To place him in his resting-place 

Beneath the bleaching sands. 

But God is just, though we below 

Cannot the past reveal; 
Soon we shall the secret know. 

That those closed lips conceal. 



96 LOOKING BEYOND, 



HAPPINESS FOR ALL. 

This life is not all pleasure, we often meet with 

pain, 
And though we plead for happiness, our pleading 

is in vain; 
For care and toil must be our lot wherever we may 

roam, 
When e'er we miss the pleasant smile, the welcome 

voice at home; 
'Tis very hard to part with friends, to us so very 

dear, 
Who leave us in this cold, cold world, and make 

our life so drear; 
But God who rules our life each day, has said that 

we must all 
Leave this world and go to Him in answer to His 

call; 
So do not be disheartened, whate'er your life may 

be. 
We cannot have a heaven here, we cannot pleasure 

see. 
But on that day when we must go in answer to His 

call, 
We'll find there's happiness for us, there's happi- 
ness for all. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 97 



ANSWERED. 

LINES TO MRS. C. W. WALLACE. 

O'er a mantel hung a picture, 

(Now I ask of whom ?) 
Stationed there as if a fixture, 

To dispel the gloom. 
Gazing on it stood I wondering, 

'Neath the gleaming light, 
While ever in my mem'r>' pondering, 

Asking, am I right ? 

Who is it ? I wonder, wonder, 

Gaze on it again; 
While my brain will ponder, ponder. 

With the same refrain. 
Is it — oh, will you excuse me ? 

I don't mean to offend; 
Tell me please, now, don't refuse me- 

" A young gentleman friend." 

That's the answer that you give me; 

Oh, now, aint that sly ? 
But your answer' 11 not deceive me, 

So you need not try. 
Ah, you women are so cunning. 

We men are the fools ! 
Think we need a little sunning. 

Geographies and schools! 



98 LOOKING BEYOND. 



MAMMA'S FLOWERS. 

I WAS walking in the garden 

On a bright and sunny day, 
Gazing on the flowers around me, 

Thinking what would Vivia say 
If she saw me pluck a flower, 

Tear it from its tender vine ? 
When I heard a gentle whisper 

Answering these thoughts of mine. 

"Papa, don't 'oo touch dem flowers, 
'Tause 'oo know they 'longs to me; 

They was p' anted by my mamma, 
Who we never more s'all see. 

And s'e 'oved 'em 'oo wemember. 

Mamma's f'owers mus' always bloom; 
They will help to b'ing the suns'ine 

Back into our home of gloom." 

Darling Vivia! Little daughter! 

Never fear that I will touch 
E'en a leaf of these sweet flowers 

That you love and prize so much. 
Mamma's flowers! So you call them; 

Do you know that what you say 
Makes me feel there is an Eden 

In the heavens far away, 



LOOKING BEYOND. 99 

Where we'll meet again our mamma, 

To be parted nevermore; 
Where, amid the scenes of beauty. 

Mamma's flowers are blooming o'er! 



FAREWELL TO SUMMER. 



Farewell, fine evenings, rich with tender things, 

Farewell, sweet flowers, fading day by day; 
And must we bid the birds farewell, whose wings 

Spread out to soar to regions far away ? 
Ah, yes! the woods for them no more are gay 

With blooming verdure, flowers fair and shy; 
And e'en the skies above seem dull and gray, 

When Summer's glories die 



How fondly now the pensive spirit sings 

Of joyous incidents of June and May; 
We seem to lose a friend when Autumn flings 

Her garments where we used to love to stray; 
For Youth would have the genial Summer stay. 

The light divine unto the careless eye. 
But swift-winged Time his flight cannot delay, 

Tho' Summer's glories die. 



loo LOOKING BEYOND. 

How mournful sound the wind's loud whisperings, 

Thro' naked branches now, that idly sway; 
The heart to pleasant mem'ries ever clings — 

Of rambles long, and row on stream and bay; 
If we but knew the future, who can say 

Another Spring will greet us by and by ? 
We ne'er again may see the bloom decay 

When Summer's glories die. 

l'envoi. 

Farewell, dear hours, like the dying ray 
Of some fair glimmer in the western sky, 

I feel that I for faith and strength must pray, 
When Summer's glories die. 



LOOKING BEYOND. loi 



THOUGHTS AT A BABY'S GRAVE. 

I STOOD by the side of a little grave 

On a beautiful summer's eve; 
The flowers were blooming all around 

In summer's short reprieve. 
And I thought of the heart of the mother, 

And the sorrows that to her fall 
When she lays in the grave her baby, 

And waits in vain for its call. 

Can the soothing balm of heaven 

That the angels love to give. 
Renew again the gladness 

That once in her heart did live ? 
Her baby is dead forever, 

Forever gone from the arms 
That once so loving and tender 

Protected it from Life's storms. 

I thought of the heart that must suffer 

For many a weary year; 
Must lead a life of sadness, 

And mingle with the tear. 
But then came the thought of heaven. 

When they shall meet again! 
When hearts unite in gladness. 

Where there will be no pain. 



I02 LOOKING BEYOND. 



LOVE'S ANSWER. 

The flowers, the sun, the moon, the stars, 

Have all their power on earth; 
The birds that carol in the trees 

Rejoice in morning's birth. 
The fame that every mortal craves 

We give as lofty aim; 
But higher, dearer is the thought, 

" In love we are the same." 

The stars are bright and they are true; 

The moon beams from above 
Upon this earth their vigils keep 

While I retain his love! 
And they will seem to me more bright, 

More radiant to my view, 
For in my heart I know and feel 

**To him I'll e'er be true." 

The one to whom I'll e'er be true 

Possesses all my heart; 
And in my breast affection reigns. 

From which I would not part. 
The world may give its titles grand. 

Insignia's born of worth. 
But truer still the emblem sweet, 

"My love, my king of earth." 



LOOKING BEYOND. 103 

What rapture there is in the thought 

That in the bonds of love 
We live as happy as they live 

Within that realm above. 
O dear one, all my wishes go 

On swift wings fly to you, 
And at your side find happiness, 

"For I will e'er be true," 



ONE I DEARLY LOVE. 

I'll give to you a picture of the one I dearly love, 
Whose face is like an angel's that dwells in heaven 

above. 
Whose voice is like the cadence of a well remem- 
bered air. 
That falls upon my mem'ry in a sound both rich and 

rare, 
Whose laugh is like the echo of a thousand golden 

bells, 
That soars into my beating heart and there forever 

dwells. 
Whose tread is like the wafting of the winds among 

the trees 
And starts my heart to throbbing in the sweetest 

ecstacies. 



104 LOOKING BEYOND. 

Whose eyes of brown are brighter than the shining' 

stars of night, 
That twinkle in the darkness in an ever glowing 

light, 
Whose jet black hair falls over in a mass of silken 

curls, 
Whose image I adore and love,— the queen of all 

the girls. 



A TRIBUTE TO GAMBRELL. 

Noble Gambrell! He is dead, 
Place the marble o'er his head; 
Pointing to that heavenly dome. 
Where his soul has journeyed home. 
Bravery should have its reward, 
Tho' it sleeps beneath the sward. 
Death is but a glory! Fame 
Cannot have a nobler aim 
Than, when a man goes to his grave 
And gives up e'en his life to save! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 105 



CHRISTMAS CAROL. 

See the brightly dawning star, 
Herald of a coming morn; 

Shepherds watch its beams afar, 
In the East a Prince is born. 

Long had been the watch in vain; 

Under superstitions sway, 
Long the worid in doubt had lain 

Waiting for the promised day. 

In the tent no room was found 
For the Holy Mother's head; 

Priest and Levite there abound. 
She must seek a lonely shed. 

Meet it was the Prince should be 
In a humble manger born, 

Prince of all eternity. 
Subject to their scoff and scorn. 

See the rising beacon star. 

Herald of the Christmas morn; 

Shepherds watch its beams afar, 
In the East our King is born. 



io6 LOOKING BEYOND. 



LOOKING FOR PAPA. 

I WAS in my study thinking 

O'er the dim and distant past, 
When I heard the sound of footsteps 

To my chamber coming fast, 
And my little daughter Vera, 

Burst upon my gazing view, 
With "a tiss for darling papa. 

And I'se been ter look fer you." 

" Papa did you hear me calling? 

I was looking 'round for you; 
Looked for you out in the garden 

Where the violets are blue." 
Then I clasped her to my bosom, 

Pressed a kiss upon her brow; 
Gazed into her blue eyes shining. 

Saying "you have found me ngw," 



LOOKING BEYOND. 107 



YOU DID NOT ANSWER NO. 

I WANDER down the lane, Lucile, 

Where you and I have straj^ed, 
And gazed upon the babbling brook, 

When oft the sun has played. 
'Tis there you promised to be mine, 

In the golden long ago; 
When we were young, and life was sweet- 

You did not answer no. 

Those days were dear to me, Lucile, 

The sweetest of my life; 
For I had hoped e'er summer fled 

To claim you as my wife. 
My heart was pledged to you dear one, 

And when I told you so, 
You clasped me to your bosom, and 

You did not answer no. 

Long years have passed away, Lucile, 

And still I am alone; 
The heart that beat for you is still. 

Darling, all your own. 
And tho' my hair is silver-streaked, 

And heart bedimmed in woe, 
I cannot yet forget the past, 

You did not answer no. 



io8 LOOKING BEYOND. 

I hope some day to meet, Lucile, 

With you again on earth; 
And then the love of childhood may 

Bloom forth in second-birth. 
And if the love of manhood can 

Redeem your heart, I know 
That when I ask you to be mine, 

You will not answer no. 



THE LAST REQUEST. 

Farewell, my comrade! clasp my hand, 

I feel that death is coming o'er me. 
And in my ear God's just command. 
Tells me that I soon must stand 
Before His throne, in that bright land, 
With angels bright before me. 

My vision now is growing dim, 

No more your welcome face I see; 
My cup of life filled to the brim, 
And angels brightly 'fore me swim 
Beckoning me from earth to Him, 
That rules eternity. 

One boon of you I ask, dear friend, 
The last that I shall ask on earth; 
For when another sun shall send 
Its rays abroad, o'er sea and land, 
I shall have passed o'er Life's great bend. 
Into a second birth. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 109 

'Tis this, that when my body rests 
Beneath the cold and chilly ground; 

When flowers shall wither on my breast, 

And darkness shall o'ercloiid the west, 

Then I make this one request, 
I make it from the mound. 

I leave my darling in your care. 

My little girl, my only treasure; 
Raise her up in path of prayer, 
Teach her life's hardship's to bear; 
Oh, if 'twere not to leave her here 

Death would be a pleasure. 

Keep her— but I'm sinking fast- 
Do not leave me here alone. 
Will you promise?— 'tis the last- 
Thanks, Oh, now, all sorrow's past, 
And I stand not back aghast- 
Soon I'll be at home. 

Strangely faint, his voice sinks low, 
With mutterings he gasps for breath; 

No more his once bright eyes now glow; 

Passed for him is all life's woe;— 

Gone where all of us must go, — 
A victim of cold death. 



no LOOKING BEYOND. 



A TRUTH. 

People plodding through this world 
Are marked for many stations; 

And at the proper time, unfurled, 
They view their life vocations. 

Now if they would this follow up 
Without complaint or sorrow, 

They'd prosper, and life's gladsome cup 
Would fill — no need to borrow. 

But 'tis not so, they will not do. 
And waiting for something better. 

They plodding on, this world go through, 
To their Creator debtor. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



MORNING. 



Oh, the glory of the morning, 

How the bright hghts dance about; 
How the sun's bright rays of splendor 

Gleam on everything without. 
Now the pale-faced moon of beauty 

Has vanished from the bright'ning sky; 
And the stars have long departed, 

Arise! Arise! for day is nigh. 

See the climbing, clinging flowers, 

Forming wreaths of brighest hues, 
In a myriad of colors, 

Glist'ning 'neath the welcome dews; 
And the birds are gaily singing 

Filling woodland with their song; 
Breathing praises to their Maker, 

Always right, ne'er doing wrong. 

Join them in their joyful praises, 

Up! Arise! and join their lay; 
Let your voice peal forth in gladness 

For the coming of the day. 
Breathe your pray'rs to Him who watches 

Over and protects us all; 
Let us ever be preparing 

For the time when He shall call. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 



MY VIVIA. 

If you knew my Vivia, 

You would say, I'm sure, 
That she was an angel 

With heart so good and pure; 
You should see her coming 

To meet me in the lane, 
With her merry laughter 

Dispelling every pain. 

If you knew my Vivia, 

You'd think an angel fair 
Was standing there before you, 

That earth could not compare. 
And you'd bow before her! 

The beauty in her face 
Would fill your heart with gladness, 

And sanctify the place. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 113 



YOUTH. 

Youth is the time of happiness, 

The scene of joy and peace; 
When hfe is a perpetual bhss, 

And pleasures never cease. 

When morning bright, bursts on the sight; 

At night the silvery stars 
Before our gaze, a misty haze, 

Shine out in gleaming bars. , 

Oh, yes, it is the happy youth! 

With spirits glad and gay. 
With laugh and shout, we romp about, 

Nor mind the waning day. 



114 LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE STORM. 

Loud the thunder sounds above, 

And the vivid lightning flashes 
Darting here and darting there, 

In its sudden, mighty dashes. 
Tell a storm is coming on, 

Rain will soon be falling down. 
The clouds o'erhead are growing black. 

Moving onward in their track: 
But they soon will burst anew 

*Tis their nature, they are true. 
Now the winds are blowing wild. 

And the waters pouring down. 
Flooding o'er the narrow streets. 

On the sidewalk it is found. 
And then a lull, the storm is o'er 
The day is clear as 'twas before. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 115 



I WONDER. 

Oh, I wonder 

If up yonder, 
Where the stars are shining nightly, 
And the moon is beaming brightly, 
I wonder if the angels singing 
Fill the heavens with their ringing, 
If they praise Him in their glory, 
Oft repeated in the story 

Told up yonder; 

Oh, I wonder. 

Yes, I wonder 

If up yonder 
They look down upon us mortals 
Here on earth. If at the portals 
They await our footsteps nearing 
Watch and wait for our appearing, 
When our life on earth is o'er 
And we join them on that shore 

'Way up yonder; 

Oh, I wonder. 



ii6 LOOKING BEYOND. 



BIRDS IN THE TREES. 

The birds that carol in the woods, 

And flit about from tree to tree, 

Carolling sweetly to the breeze 

Amid a life so gay and free, 

Are the happiest habitants of earth. 

The world can give no truer joy 

Than happiness in true content. 

Where sorrows never come to cloy 

Nor trifles murmur to annoy; 

Where heaven and earth seem ever blent 

As one — a season of true mirth. 

The heart that never knows the pall 
Of sorrow's touch, of mis'ry's call, 
Is, if there be such as these, 
Just like the birds among the trees. 
They have their master. He above 
Will fill them with the truest love, 
And all the earth to them appears 
A world of gladness, free of tears. 

What is there in this world of ours 
To love ? In truth we have the flowers, 
The sun, the moon, the nightly stars. 
That gleam above like silver bars; 
And friends, but they, the dearest one 
Must fade away, and life is done; 
There is no joy to last alway. 
And life to man is but a day! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 117 

There's consolation when we think 

We stand upon the happy brink 
Of heaven's threshold. There above 

We hear the prayer of them we love, 
Who, waiting for that glorious day, 

When all our sorrows pass away, 
We join in sweetest melodies, 

Happy at last, birds in the trees! 



LOVE IS SUPREME. 

In divers notes my songs may rise, 

Now gay, now sad, now full of feeling, 
Burdened perchance with lover's sighs. 

Or even sentiment concealing. 
To paint the beauties of the spring, 

To tell the glories of the fall; 
But ah! In all the songs I sing 

Love is the subject of them all. 

I wander by the riverside 

When summer's glories all are glowing. 
And o'er my soul, a golden tide. 

The beauties of the earth come flowing. 
The beauty of the earth I sing. 

But earth is only full of grace, 
Because within my heart I bring 

The memory of my lady's face. 



ii8 LOOKING BEYOND. 

I sit the fireplace beside, 

And read of man's sublime progression, 
Of mighty ones who lived and died, 

That great and glorious procession. 
My spirit stirs within me, then. 

To sing what man can do or be. 
But what is it inspires men 

'But that which means so much to me ? 

I sing the passions of the heart, 

Ambition, study, education; 
The world of letters or of art, 

The wealth and power of the nation! 
Whatever theme the muse may stir. 

Whatever song comes bounding after. 
The undercurrent can but bear 

A maiden's glance, a maiden's laughter. 

I hold it true that he who aims 

To lift the hearts of men by writing, 
Whatever else may be his claims. 

True love must live in his enditing. 
Paternal love, or love of youth; 

In love divine or love of art; 
For thus we judge the author's truth, 

And thus we see the author's heart. 

So, tho' in divers notes may rise 

Our humble songs of earnest feeling, 

Burdened with all a lover's sighs. 
Or even sentiment conceaUng, 



LOOKING BEYOND. 119 

Painting the beauties of the spring, 

TelHng the glories of the fall, 
Whatever the theme of the songs we sing 

Love is the subject of them all. 



BITTER-SWEET. 

SHE. 

This is the time he said we'd meet, 

And here the mentioned place; 
He gave it as a safe retreat, 
And how I long to see my sweet! 
Gaze on his loving face. 

HE. 

I told her I would meet her there, 

But now I will not go; 
I cannot bring my heart to care 
For her, tho' she be ever fair, 

I have decided. No! , 

Thus bitter mixes with the sweet; 
This world is but a poor deceit. 



I20 LOOKING BEYOND. 



NELLIE. 

Seated near the window, Nellie 

In her rocking chair, 
With her gay and merry laughter 

Pealing on the air; 

Gay and merry, 

Light and airy. 

Pealing on the air. 

He passes by with gentle greetings, 

Sees her sitting there; 
Hears the voice so gently falling, 

Falling on the air. 

Gay and merry, 

Light and airy, 

Falling on the air, 

Comes the day when they are plighted. 

Live without a care; 
Happy voices still are falling, 

Falling on the air. 

Gay and merry. 

Light and airy. 

Falling on the air. 



LOOKING BEYOND, til 



TO LIVE IN LOVE. 

We live and die. We go and come, 

We pass away; 
We journey to that heavenly home, 

Where all is day! 
This life is fleet. We, here to-day, 

Tomorrow dead! 
Thus runs the world, it has its way. 

To-day with tread 
As light — and voice as gay and sweet 

She lives on earth; 
To-morrow, in that grand retreat, 

A second-birth! 
But why repine ? We have no fear 

If we do right; 
For truth will be to us a spear 

To win the fight. 
And when the summons on us fall 

From Him above. 
We'll enter in that heavenly hall. 

To live in love! 



122 LOOKING BEYOND. 



LIFE— DEATH. 

This world is but a mockery, 

This life is short and fleet; 
We enter in the morning, 

Will we the day complete ? 
Now with joy and laughter 

We mingle with the throng, 
Then death — and all is over! 

The world still moves along. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 123 



LIFE'S SORROWS. 

All have their sorrows to bear, 

Each one his part to fulfil; 
The heart must suffer from care 

The body be weakened and ill. 

The mind ofttimes will give way, 
The will may loose its control; 

The conscience that ever was true 
May falsely prove to the soul. 

A man may sink in the dust, 

Fall away from the path of right. 

And follow where leads not the just 
To end at last in a plight 

That always gives pain to the heart 
And makes us despair of e'en heaven, 

O, the thought a terror will start. 
And sorrow to life is then given. 



124 LOOKING BEYOND. 



PITY. 

The night was cold and stormy, 
The wind was blowing wild, 

When walking on in silence 
I heard this from a child: 

"Mister, please give a nickel, 
Mamma is sick at home, 

And she is awful hungry, 

And waits for me to come." 

I looked on her in pity, 

In wondering surprise, 
That in that crowd of people 

Could be such miseries. 
And then I handed to her 

A quarter clean and bright; 
She whispered "thanks," and vanished 

Off into the night. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 125 



THE HUNTER'S DREAM. 



'TwAs night, a night so long ago, 

A night which still in memory sweet. 
Comes back to me, as through life's woe 
I pass along with weary feet; 
And memory's chime 
Brings back that time 
With sweetness I will now repeat. 



Out on the prairie, all alone, 

With no one nigh, no friendly pard 
To help along in friendly tone 
A feeling I could not discard; 
For in despair 
I'd rave and tear; 
I tell you it was pretty hard. 



Oh, God, I thought! Is this the doom 

Of justice on one far from Thee ? 
If so, how can I 'scape this gloom, 
And from this mystic spell be free ? 
Could I but pray 
For coming day, 
And glorious sunshine once more see. 



126 LOOKING BEYOND. 

At this I rose, and in despair 

Knelt on the ground on bended knee; 
" If thou cans't free me from this care, 
Oh, God, I pray Thee to be free; 
I beg Thee save 
Not from the grave. 
But save my soul from eternity." 

My voice grew faint, my eye grew dim, 

I sank me down upon the ground, 
And before me seemed to swim 
The voices of a band profound; 
I fell asleep. 
And seemed to leap 
And join in their strange, melodious sound. 

Bright visions floated 'fore my gaze. 
And saintly bands began to sing. 
And heavenly voices joined in the lays, 
Till all the heavens seem'd to ring; 
And on His throne. 
Grand and alone 
Sat He who men call King. 

Spake He unto the rest, "Rejoice, 

A sinner has returned to thee. 
Take up thy harp, and in a voice 
Proclaim him from oblivion free. 
Let him return 
To earth, and earn 
A place among you through eternity." 



LOOKING BEYOND. 127 

At this, I seemed to move, and they 

To follow, bearing me afar, 
Into the brightness of a day 
Into the radiance of a star, 

Which seem'd to shine 
With a light divine. 
And illuminate our flower-strewn way. 

Was this to vanish ? 'Twas but too true, 

For darkness seem'd to o'ercast all; 
The heavenly band had pass'd from view, 
No more could I hear their call. 
'Twas but a dream, 
But that bright gleam, 
In life I'll e'er recall. 



128 LOOKING BEYOND. 



THE CITIZEN ROAD-AGENT. 



"Tell you 'bout it? Wal, pard, it war rough 

A scooting 'long th' line, 
Th' horses goin' at their quickes' speed, 

An' le'vin' the mo'ntains behind. 
Jus' three hours since we lef th' fort, 

Th' stage chuck full o' galoots; 
But out o' tha' crowd thar war only one 

Who lived ter walk hum in his boots. 

"We war 'bout ha'f wa' th'r'u, 

Tim Foley a holdin' th' lines 
And guidin' us thr'u' th' canyons road, 

Which same we c'u'd tell by signs. 
Fur y'u know, pard, th' gulch are uneven; 

First up, an' then down we went, 
Som'times it seem'd that over we'd go 

Wi'out even time to repent. 

"But Tim know'd his biz; he'd been thar before, 

An' know'd ev'ry step o' th' ground, 
So we soon got out o' th* rough canyon road, 

An' over th' pra'rie we're bound. 
Twenty miles more an' our journey w'u'd en', 

An' our wife an' our childr'n we'd meet. 
An' we war jus' thinkin' how nice it w'u'd be, 

An' how our h'arts did beat! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 129 

"We hedjus' enter'd a dark, gloomy wood, 

Jus' ten miles this side o' our town 
Wen a single ho'sman 'peared in the road, 

A slingin' his shooters aroun'. 
'Halt!' came his comman,' but 'halt' we did 
not; 

Tim grabbed still tighter th' lines, 
An shouted: ' Each one fur hisself, 

An' shute th' first one that whines!' 

'"Draw out y'ur "sixes," an' shute th' pups 
down!' 

But them war th' las' words o' poor Tim, 
For th' road-agent shot, an' over he went, 

An' then b'gan th' devil's own din. 
Wall, pard, y'u' c'u'd'nt a he'rd y'ur own voice; 

Th' bullets war rattling like hail. 
An' our boys went do'n ter rise no more; 

Th' road-agent hed stop'd their las' wail. 

" But pard, I war livin', they didn't know that; 

If they hed, I w'u'd'nt a' breathed long. 
They seiz'd on th' 'gol'-dust,' set fire to th' 
co'ch. 

An' took the'r d'partur' in song. 
Aft'r they'd went, I got up and left, 

Aft'r seein' ter all o' my pards, 
But ez they war all dead an' needed no help, 

I lef them in th' care o' th' Lord. 

" Wen I re'ched hum an' th' roll was called, 

Six men war not ter be foun' ; 
Then we all knew that the road-agent ban' 

War citizens o' our own littje town," 



I30 LOOKING BEYOND. 



"PEGGED OUT." 

Pard, the varmint struck me heavy, 
Kinder guess I'll hev to go; 

Notch another in me rifle, 
Fer I laid the critter low. 

When you tell the boys the story 
'Bout this scrimmage in the night, 

Tell them how we fought together, 
Tell them that your pard was white. 

Raise me up a little higher; 

Tell me you'll wipe out the score. 
Take the locket from my bosom, 

Let me see her face once more. 

Don't take this locket from my body. 

Let it go with me below; 
She was bright as heaven's sunshine. 

She was pure as drifting snow. 

Don't bury me beneath the wilier, 
As the Eastern folks would say; 

Plant me on the roUin' prairie, 
Whar the deer come every day. 

Has the moon gone down already ? 

Are the stars no longer bright ? 
Mebbe, pard, I'll wake up yonder, 

Whar there's everlastin' light. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 131 



THANKSGIVING IN THE MINES. 

Y'u ask do we hev a Thanksgivin' 

Way out here in th' mines, 
Wall, I opine yes, bet y'er ducats, 

Ez I wull tell in these lines. 
Grand! Wall, pard, y'u jus' wager 

Y'ur ol' sombrero on that, 
Du we eat turkey ? W'y sartain! 

Jes listen pard, while I chat. 

Tamborine Bill — he's th' cook here — 

Th' bes' can be found in th' land, 
Kno's how to handle a carver 

In ev'ry way — y'u understand? 
Oh, we are jolly ol' fellows, 

W'en this day o' thanks cum's erlong. 
Du we endulge? oh, wal, sometimes; 

Then we winds up wi' a song. 

Fight! no, not on Thanksgivin' ; 

That is er day o' delight 
'Mong us in sport an' in revel, 

Pard, y'u offend me. Us fight! 
W'y du y'u think thet us mortals 

Hev no h'art ter giv' thanks 
Fer th' Almighty abuv' us ? 

That, pard, is out o' our ranks. 



132 LOOKING BEYOND. 

Yas, we guv' thanks in these regions, 

Fur this is er day set apart, 
In w'ich we guv' thanks to th' Ruler, 

In pra'ses thet cums fr'm th' h'art, 
Wile I'll admit we're not angels, 

Pard, when it cums to th' test, 
Way out here in th' mines, you'll 

Find men an' men o' th' best! 



OLD-TIMERS. 

They call us ** Old-Timers, jes becaus' 

They ses we're no 'count an' old. 
An' thet our lives hev had menny flaws 

Since first we went 'spectin' fur gold. 
Thet war way back thar. Menny a year 

Hez passed o'er this world o' tears 
An' menny a face hev we ^een disappear 

Wi' h'arts thet knew nothin' o' fear. 

Frank, y'u remember, they called y'u "Comanche,' 

An' I war "Corduroy Bill," 
Them war th' names we got on th' ranch 

When herding wi' "Arazone Phil." 
An' Phil! What com' of him? Bless my boots! 

Pard, don't y'u rec'lect thet day 
When we pelted it to th' road-agent galoots ? 

Y'u 'member? I've no more to say. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 133 

An' then thar at Shasta, when turning the 
"keerds," 
Y'u saw " Bluffin' Hank " "take the dust," 
When "Rip-snorter Pete" jes drawed on his 
beeds, 
Filled wi' pisen an' ready to bu'st. 
'Member how "Grubstake George" "pucka- 
cheed," 
An' "Jedge Lynch " a-wanting him bad? 
When "Long Luke" an' his gang war playin' it 
"greed," 
An' giving th' bes' thet they had ? 



Then up at "Lone Hand " whar Ole Salters gal 

War the pride o' th' kentry around; 
An' lovers! great Mos — hed thousan's, an' wall, 

You know whar she sleeps 'neath the mound. 
An' pard, y'u wuz one o' th' lovers she had, 

An' th' fav'rite one o' th' lot; 
"Gold Ned " wuz one also, but one o' th' bad; 

Thet's his grave over thar, is it not ? 



But why ruminate ? We're no 'count, enyway; 

I s'pose soon we'll cross th' " divide," 
I wonder will we be "old-timers " then 

An' no good on thet t'other side? 
Wal, I opine not, for I've beam tell 

Ov a place whar' no sinners are 'lowed; 
An', pardner, jes' shake, it a'int— wal, 

Y'u' re right, an' we'll go wi' th' crowd. 



134 LOOKING BEYOND, 



DECEIVED. 

The stars were bright, 

The stars were bright 
Upon that dear November night, 

When in my glee 

I came to thee; — 
O, what a memory comes to me! 

Your loving word, 

The sweetest heard. 
Fell on me like the song of bird; 

And I believed; 

O, I have grieved 
Since that fair night I was deceived! 

I know not why 

I did not die 
Beneath that fair November sky; 

But only this: 

A passing bliss 
Revealed its presence in a kiss! 

An endless doom, 

A life of gloom, 
In future years will ever loom; 

You ne'er may know 

The fatal blow 
You gave me when you made it so. 



LOOKING BEYOND. 135 

To-day your heart 

Will thrill and start, 
When memories that will not part 

Come to your eyes; 

Then you despise 
The very gates of Paradise. 

I think, sometimes, 

I hear the chimes 
From Satan's unredeeming climes, 

And as the fire 

Leaps higher, higher, 
I fall, I fall, at your desire. 

But there is One, 

A precious Son, 
Whose love will see fair justice done; 

In Him, a friend 

Who will defend, 
I'll trust my soul unto the end. 

If hell has birth 

Upon this earth. 
In you it has found truest worth; 

And when the call 

Comes for us all 
You'll sink in Satan's fiery thrall! 



136 LOOKING BEYOND. 



NO OR YES. 

Were I to answer **No," 
Should I answer you to-night, 
Would my answer be a blight 
On your life of love and light ? 
Would my words fall as a pall, 
Casting darkness over all. 
Sinking you in misery's thrall ? 
Would my answer be a spear 
To destroy your gladness here, 
Causing you to stand in fear ? 

Were I to answer "Yes," 
Would your soul enraptured be. 
Glad, light-hearted, gay and free. 
Banished from all misery ? 
Would my words create a love 
That would ever onward move, 
'Till it shone as stars above ? 
Would the simple word contain 
Magic pow'r to banish pain. 
Bring you back to love again ? 

Dear one, listen to me, then: 
You are mine to love again. 
Were I now to answer ** No," 
Could you stand the fearful blow ? 
But, my answer, can you guess ? 
** Yes," my loved one, it is Yes! 



LOOKING BEYOND. 137 



LOOKING BEYOND. 

Do not weep for me dear ones, 

For I am happy now; 
Altho' my earthly pilgrimage 

Must end— to Him I bow. 
And while my spirit soars away 

Unto that home above, 
I die a happy Christian's death, 

Within the arms of love. 

The angels beckon me to come, 

And *' ready " I respond; 
For when this earth will fade away 

I'll view that one beyond, 
Where every song is praises sung 

Unto the king above. 
I die a happy Christian's death, 

Within the arms of love. 

The bonds of earth cannot withstand 

The summons of the Lord; 
And every pain must cease to be 

Beneath His holy word. 
For care and toil will ne'er appear 

In that bright home above. 
I die a happy Christian's death 

Within the arms of love, 



138 LOOKING BEYOND. 

Without a sigh I pass away 

Unto that home beyond, 
Where dear loved ones await my step, 

With yearnings true and fond. 
And I will pray that you may join 

Me in that home above; 
And die a happy Christian's death 

Within the arms of love. 



LOOKING BEYOND, 139 



FALSE, 

OR THE BROKEN PROMISE. 

At the beginning of the late war between the North and 
South, there lived in Memphis a young man. He was engaged 
to a young lady to whom he was deeply attached. When the 
men were summoned to duty, he, with the many thousand 
heroes, joined the Confederate troops in fighting for their 
homes. A few hours before joining his company, he went to 
bid his sweetheart good-bye, perhaps forever. In loving words 
each plighted to the other eternal constancy, and the last words 
spoken at the parting, were these, from the young lady: " Go, 
if duty calls. I will wait and pray for your early return." 
They parted. He joined his company, served with distinction 
through the dreary years of war, and longed for the day when 
he could return to his loved one at home. That day came and 
he reached home only to find her wedded to another. He lived 
to be an old man, but was never married. In substance I 
give his feelings in the following poem: 

They ask me why I don't get married, why I lead 

this lonely life, 
And they want to know the reason that I do not 

claim a wife; 
Passing years of life in sorrow, when they say I 

could be blessed 
With a darling wife to comfort, and to give my 

heart sweet rest. 
Ah, the world is vain and pulseless, and why do 

they want to know ? 
Do they suffer when I suffer, believing life to be a 

show? 



I40 LOOKING BEYOND. 

Can they feel the sad condition of the heart that in 

me beats ? 
I have mingled with Hfe's pleasures, I have tasted 

of its sweets! 
Can they dream of the hours of longing that I've 

spent in past years, 
When the world was full of pleasure, and I knew 

not sigh nor tears ? 
Can they know a heart's delighting when it thrills 

with pleasure's touch? 
If they can, then they can pity one who has loved, 

loved too much! 



Once I was as gay and happy 

As a mortal could have been; 
Life was a continual pleasure, 

Day and Night a lovely scene. 
Never knew I care nor sorrow; 

Naught to mar the dream of life; 
Then I wooed a little darling, 

Whom I thought to claim as wife. 



Yes, I loved her just as truly 

As the flow'rs the dew of morn, 
And her every wish was gladness. 

To my heart with pleasure born. 
Sleeping, v/aking, ever thinking 

Of the one so dear to me; 
Longing for her presence only 

Filled my heart with joy and glee. 



LOOKING l^EYOND. 141 

Fleetly passed the days. All pleasure 

Was this dreary world to me. 
And the songs of angel's singing 

Swelled the chorus sweet and free. 
Often when the shadows falling 

O'er the earth at close of day, 
Would we ramble in the twilight, 

Saying all that lovers say. 

And we plighted to each other, 

With the sweetest loving words, 
That our Very hearts seemed beating 

To the chorus of the birds. 
How I loved her! She returning 

All my love so fervent, true; 
And the vision of the future 

Brought a happy home to view. 

Thus life went, till one bright morning 

Rose the nations into war, 
And I went to join the many 

Heroes neath the " Southern star." 
How my heart did swell in sadness 

When I knew that we must part! 
She whom I had loved so truly. 

Reigned the idol of my heart. 

Well, we parted, and her promise 

That we sealed with lover's kiss 
Made the parting to me lighter, 

Wrapt my soul in gladsome bliss. 



142 LOOKING BEVonD, 

And I went into the battles 
With a courage firm and true; 

Thinking of my darling ever, 
With her loving face in view. 

When amid the dead and dying, 

With the life blood ebbing round, 
Tramping o'er the lifeless bodies 

That had fallen to the ground. 
Wounded, bleeding, ever thinking 

Of the loved one far away; 
Longing for the day returning, 

When I'd claim her mine for aye. 

Through the smoke of musty cannons. 

Through the rattling shot and shells. 
How we fought the battles bravely 

You all know, for hist'ry tells. 
Till at last forced to surrender 

On the Appomattox field. 
Ending all the years of sadness. 

General Lee to Grant did yield. 

Then I started on my journey 

To my loved home I returned; 
To the dear one there awaiting 

Who, I thought my presence yearned. 
But alas! the disappointment 

To a loving, trusting heart; 
When I found that she had married 

Then my sorrows had their start. 



LOOKING BEVOND. 143 

And you ask me why I'm single, 

Why I do not claim a wife; 
Do you know the true condition 

Of a heart pierced by a knife ? 
Can imagination picture 

To your heart the misery 
When a loved one proves deceiving ? 

Oh, I trust it cannot be. 

She was false to every promise; 

Every word a fleeting jest. 
Had I known the situation 

Death had been a welcome guest. 
I may spend my life in sorrow, 

Hers may be a dream of peace; 
But I pray she will be happy, 

From all sorrows have release. 



tU LOOKING BEYOND. 



A LITTLE GIRL. 



A LITTLE girl, 

A precious pearl, 
Sits on my lap— a tiny curl 

Against my face; 

A light of grace 
Beams from her sweet and loving face. 

I draw her near, 

With love sincere. 
This little girl whom T revere; 

What joy can be 

More dear to me 
Than when her countenance I see ? 

Her pretty smiles 

My heart beguiles, 
I bask in her entrancing wiles 

In her I see 

Humility, 
And every charm beloved by me. 



But beauties fade. 

And love's decayed. 
For her dear smile has from me strayed; 

They tell me now 

As low I bow, 
And live — although I can't tell how — 



LOOKING BEYOND. 145 

This little girl— 

My precious pearl, 
Has been engulfed within the whirl 

Of folly's sin, 

That enters in 
The soul, and blots "what might have been." 

O Savior! hear 

My plaint sincere, 
And drop upon her life a tear, 

That she may see 

The way to Thee, 
To dwell through all eternity! 

In Thy sweet love. 

Look from above. 
From her sin's barrier remove, 

That she may know 

The path to go 
To realms of joy unknown below. 



14^ LOOKING BEYOND. 



GREETING TO THE A. A. W. 



Oh sisters! join the glorious, happy throng, 
Of progress bearing onward to the sky! 

Love and truth, embalmed in sweetest song, 
Will lead the way to heavenly thrones on high. 



II. 



The mighty vans that onward swell and surge, 
For the dawn of a "brighter day" to come, 

Are drifting ever forward to the verge 
Of earthly casement to a heavenly home. 



III. 



The king of all upon his gilded throne, 
Gave us this " land of liberty " as ours, 

To make of earth a dwelling place alone, 
Which leads to sweet content and happy hours. 



IV. 



Together we have climbed the hills of time, 
Step by step and side by side we stride. 

Woman! mankinds purest gem sublime, 
Is man's equal too, as well as bride. 



Looking beyond. 147 



Outstretched hands are given to us here, 
From homes of the distant northern cHme, 

To strengthen us and make our hearts sincere, 
And souls unite in friendship's purest chime. 

VI. 

When you've departed from us one by one, 
Tho' absent t'will awake our hearts delight; 

To the melody of being here alone, 

"Womanhood " will be our emblem bright. 

VII. 

From the land of the southland evermore, 

Joyful hearts will ever sing your praise, 
Give you welcome, "sisters," to our shore. 
Enshrine your name, your lives, in sweetest 
lays. 

Flora Clark Huntington. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

Recited by Miss Florence Schloss at the Pythian Rest, Mem- 
phis, Tenn., on Decoration Day. 

Beneath your mounds, O Pythian Knights, 
Forevermore! 
You've entered in that sacred sleep 
Where eyes are never known to weep; 
Where all the trials are laid aside, 
And blessed rest and peace abide; 
Where eyes behold sweet sacred lights 
Loom up before. 

The tears of love are yours to-day, 
And evermore! 
Our hearts are with you in your rest; 
Your lives have grandly stood the test 
Of friendship pure and Charity 
And every act of loyalty. 
Our love will never fade away 
'Till life is o'er. 

Now numbered 'mong the silent dead, 
Your mem'ry green! 
And it will ever be a part 
Of Pythian love in Pythian heart. 
To honor you with words of praise 
O noble brothers. Future days 
We'll follow where your path has led 
Tho' now unseen. 



152 IN MEMORIAM. 

The world is better for your lives, 
They gleam to-day, 
True monuments to honest worth; 
And every noble deed had birth 
Within your hearts. Can we forget 
Your words so sweet that linger yet, 
Like carolling of bird that strives 
In sweetest lay?^ 

It may be that your eyes behold 
From there above, 
Your noble brothers gathered 'round 
With reverance for every mound 
Within the sacred Pythian Rest; 
While sorrow lives in every breast. 
And every member of our fold 
Reveres your love. 

Sleep on! The storms of life can ne'er 
Disturb your rest; 
We love you, and above your tomb 
The sweetest flowers will ever bloom. 
No love is more enduring than 
The pure affection of brave men. 
Extended to you true, sincere, 
Loyal, best! 

We come with hearts of grief and stand 
Above your graves; 
Your spirits tell us be of cheer. 
And at your mounds we banish fear; 
Nor can the thoughts of earth erase 
From out our hearts each loving face, 
While yet our banner nobly grand. 
So proudly waves. 



IN MEMORIAM. i%% 

An emblem of eternal love, 

The Pythian Knight! 
True to every noble trust 
Your works still live, tho' now in dust 
From whence you came, you sweetly rest 
The mark of honor your behest; 
Look down from your bright home above 
Upon the sight! 

There is no death eternal. Hearts 
Will meet again! 
When all the sorrows of the world 
Are laid in dust, and grand, unfurled, 
Our banner gathers in the fold 
Of friendship, dearer far than gold, 
The feeling that true love imparts 
Supreme will reign. 

In peaceful sleep, O brothers true, 
Your life work o'er; 
Your lives have taught us to be true, 
And we have only praise for you; 
Your fame is lasting, and we know 
That at the summons soft and low. 
We'll weep no more, and meet with you 
Upon that shore. 



154 ^^ M^MOklAM. 



ANGELO MONTEVERDE. 

DIED SEPTEMBER 4, 1885, AGED 55 YEARS. 

We weep because he's dead, but why? 

Can sorrow conquer death ? 
Will mortal's saddest, bitterest, sigh 

Recall to him his breath ? 
Ah no, poor suffering weary heart, 

We cannot call him here; 
Our grief will not to him impart 

The feeling of each tear. 

Yes, he is dead; the summons fell 

Upon his waiting ear, 
And the angel's toUing bell 

Was music sweet to hear; 
And as he lay in mortal pain 

We knew the time had come, — 
That our loss was heaven's gain, 

And he was going home. 

Cold Death, a bitter blow you sent 

To kind and loving hearts; 
Before you prouder souls have bent, 

Your name a terror starts! 
And as we kneel in prayer to-day 

We pray to Him above 
That He will show to us the way 

To join him there in love. 



IN MEMORIAM. 155 

Soon the time will come when we 

Shall hear the angels call, 
When through the darkness we shall see 

The power that ruleth all; 
Then we shall know and understand 

That all is for the best; 
That even Death's cold, merciless, hand 

Can give to us sweet rest. 

A father true he was in life, 

And death cannot divide 
The loving hearts, a faithful wife 

And children at her side. 
Tho' tears cannot recall him now. 

We shall meet him again, 
When to the summons we shall bow 

And leave this world of pain. 



156 IN MEMORIAM. 



MRS. CAROLINE MONTEVERDE. 

DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY I9, 1892. 

TO HER BELOVED AND BEREAVED CHILDREN, TO WHOM SHE 
WAS THE DEAREST AND TRUEST OF MOTHERS, THE FOL- 
LOWING POEM IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED. 

Over all the joyous moments 

That we passed with mother dear, 
When her every smile was pleasure 

And her every word sincere, 
Comes the hand of Death, and plucking 

Our sweet flow'r, bears her away 
To that land of song and praises, 

Where doth reign eternal day. 

O, how deep the heart must suffer 

When a loved one fades away. 
And the voice of love is silenced. 

We can only weep and say: 
Darling mother, gone forever. 

Look down from your home above. 
See your children here in sorrow, 

Give to us your holy love. 

Mother dear, your memory never 

Can be taken from our hearts; 
Every loving word you gave us 

E'er will linger, ne'er departs. 



IN MEMORIAM. 157 

We cannot forget our mother, 

Tho' we never more can see 
Mother's love in every action, 

She will live in memory. 

Happy in that home above us, 

We would not recall you here, 
Where the trials and the sorrows 

Change our happiness to tears. 
We would long to greet you, mother. 

But we'll suffer here awhile, 
Till you hear the angels calling 

And you clasp us with a smile. 

Then how glad will be the meeting, 

There with father gone before. 
Who awaited you with loving 

Arms outstretched, upon that shore. 
Father, mother, children, happy. 

Reunited in that love, 
Purer than the love of mortals, 

In His kingdom there above. 



158 IN MEMORIAM. 



CHARLES GUSMANI. 

DIED DECEMBER 20, 189I, AGE 60 YEARS. 

As fall the leaves at winter's blast, 

So do our hopes depart, 
And every joyous happy scene 

Is driven from the heart; 
When smiles that we have longed to see, 

And voices that we love 
Are taken from us, we must bow 

Unto the king above. 

'Tis hard to give a dear one up 

When many years have passed 
So joyously, and love has reigned. 

O hearts that now o'ercast 
With sorrow's touch, look ye above 

And bless His holy name. 
Tho' he has left you here in tears, 

True hearts with you remain. 

His years were many, and the hand 

That labored here for you, 
Tho' now in death is cold and still, 

Rests on a heart as true ' 

As ever beat within a breast. 

Weep consolation's tear 
In knowing that the one you love 

Was ever true and dear. 



IN MEMORIAM. 159 

Dear hearts, I would not ask you now 

To banish sorrow's tears away, 
For they are balms to soothe the pain 

That bides with you to-day. 
And to the weeping one whose life's 

Bereft of husband evermore, 
I'd point to loving children 'round 

Until this life is o'er. 

'Tis ever thus, those that we love 

Are those that soon depart; 
And while in sorrow here you weep, 

And saddened is your heart, 
Do not despair, but look above 

Where rules the King of all; 
And you shall join the loved one there, 

When comes the angel's call. 

Then "Father " shall be whispered low 

From lips of children dear; 
And " Husband " falls from the lips of love 

That ever were sincere. 
And all our pain will disappear, 

When reunited there 
In peace and love forevermore, 

In happiness and prayer. 



i6o IN MEMORIAM. 



MRS. LEONORA JOHNSON LORY. 

DIED DECEMBER I9, 1887, AGE 21 YEARS. 

Not yet a year has passed away 

Since on that bright and happy day 

She stood a loving, trusting, bride 

With her dear husband at her side. 

What were her thoughts on that bright day ? 

Ah, what if spoken would they say ? 

*' My happiness is now complete, 

And life to me will e'er be sweet; 

For I have won the loving heart 

That will be mine till death us part. 

Tho' life be marred by bitter pain, 

My pleading will not be in vain." 

Ah, trusting heart! This life is ours 
To live a day, — then like the flowers 
Wither and die. Who would have said 
That in a year she would be dead ? 
She whose heart was always true 
Should fade and disappear from view 
And leave her dear ones here to weep ? 
Can memory a vision keep ? 
Yes, we can see her as she stood 
An emblem of true womanhood; 
And see the smiles upon her face 
Beaming with a heavenly grace, 



IN MEMORIAM. i6i 

What of the fond and loving hearts 
That crushed and sad play but their parts 
To live alone ? What sympathy can give 
New life and cause again to live 
The hopes that once gleamed as bright 
As any silvery star of night ? 
Ah, such is life! Each mortal feels 
The sorrow that grim death reveals. 
No tender words can soothe the grief, 
And only death can give relief. 
But sweet the promise to us given, 
That we may meet again in heaven. 



i62 IN MEMORIAM. 

MRS. MARGARET KLAFFKL 

DIED JULY 6, 1888, AGE 58 YEARS. 

They say that she is dead. To-day 

In Elmwood dear she lies 
In peaceful sleep of happiness 

Beneath the summer skies. 
Just like the flow'r that winter's cold 

Back to the earth has lain, 
She, like the flow'r shall rest awhile 

Then be with us again. 

Gone to her rest! Oh happy thought, 

That to the world is given. 
When toil and labors here are o'er. 

To make our home in heaven. 
Dear hearts will miss her here on earth 

And long to see her face, 
While she is waiting up above 

In prayer and holy grace. 

But should we weep that it is so ? 

Would we recall her here ? 
Reclaim her for this world of tears 

Of sorrow and of fear ? 
Kind hearts, just think the many deeds 

Of goodness she has done; 
Has she not well her part fulfilled 

Tp the most Holy One ? 



IN MEMQRIAM. 163 

So let her rest! 'Tis well deserved; 

For she has spent a life 
Which shall shine forth a model to 

Each mother, sister, wife. 
And when on scroll of justice stamped 

The holy angel reads, 
These words shall fall, ** she led a life 

Composed of noble deeds." 



i64 IN MEMORIAM. 



JOHN AND LOUIS SOHM. 

Is Louis dead ? Has Johnny flown ? 

Ah, yes, sad hearts, it is but true; 
To heaven their angel souls have gone, 

To rest and make a home for you; 
They watch and wait that day to come 
When you will join them in their home. 

Yes, Louis is dead! He rests above, 
And waits for us to join him there. 

Where all is happiness and love. 
And where all sorrows disappear; 

His life was short — the call was given 

That gave to him a home in heaven. 

And Johnny, too, has passed away, 
And left us here to weep alone; 

He waits the coming of that day 
When we are summoned to His throne, 

Where all is joy and happiness. 

And where we live our King to bless. 



IN MEMORIAM. 165 



JOSEPH SCHLOSS. 

DIED IN MEMPHIS JANUARY 8, 1893. 

The summer of his life had passed 

And Winter's hoary hand 
Had laid his fingers on his head, 

And with its power grand 
Had placed the weight of years upon 

The loving form of him 
Whom now we mourn, whose memory 

Will never fade nor dim. 

His step has vanished, and alone 

We walk the path of life; 
A sorrow has come to our home 

That knew not pain nor strife; 
The loving hand that guided us 

Our youthful days along 
Is silent in the sleep of death 

Among that holy throng. 

O, dear one, we in fancy see 

The days of long ago, 
When 'neath your care we never knew 

The world's despair aud woe; 
When every scene was happiness, 

And every joy supreme 
Came to us, in your loving care, 

As pleasant as a dream. 



i66 IN MEMORIAM. 

O, years that wafted in between, 

Whose memories we claim! 
We humble 'neath your mighty power, 

For life is not the same; 
We see our father bent in age. 

His hair has turned to gray; 
His life so good and pure, has now 

Passed from our sight away. 

We know he looks from there above 

Upon his loved ones here, 
And knows his children here on earth 

Do still his love revere; 
And while the angel Death has come 

And taken him away. 
His memory will abide with us, 

Within our hearts for aye. 



IN MEMORIAM. 167 



MARY A. HEIN. 

DIED AUGUST l6, 1886. 

We weep for a loved one who has now departed, 

Who with her bright smiles gave cheer to our 
home; 
Whose sweet disposition has ever imparted 

A feeling of love, and of pleasure to come. 
And now in the midst of life's early splendor. 

The summons is given through angel's above, 
By whom she is borne with hands meek and tender, 

To that realm of peace, joy, and of love. 

Out of our home our Mary has vanished. 

And left us to weep in this cold world of pain; 
But ne'er from our hearts will her memory be ban- 
ished, 

Tho' our call for her coming will all be in vain. 
She left us to mourn, — but why should the weary 

And desolate heart recall her again ? 
Tho' home without her will ever be dreary, 

We know that in heaven she's free from all pain. 

Up 'mong the angels, she prays us to meet her. 

With father and mother who waited her there; 
When death shall claim us, we'll hasten to greet her 

In that land of the angels, and beauty so fair. 
To brothers and sisters who weep here in sorrow 

And mourn o'er the absence of one ever dear. 
She beckons them o'er to a glimpse of the morrow. 

Where care is unknown, and pain and the tear. 



i6S IN MEMORIAM. 



MRS. CLARA P. UHL. 

DIED OCTOBER 6, 189O, AGED 33 YEARS. 

As the soft winds of the Summer 

Disappear at Winter's breath, 
So the voices of our loved ones 

Are silenced by th' hand of Death; 
And as the soft winds will return 

At Summer's happy reign, 
So we shall meet with them we love. 

And live in joy again. 

Mayhap, in looking o'er the past, 

When happiness supreme 
Reigned in your home, and at her side 

This life was but a dream, 
You catch the whisper of her voice, 

Or touch the hand so true, 
Oh, then rejoice, for she above, 

Doth wait and watch for you. 

Dear heart! We miss her for awhile, 

Her place is vacant now; 
And she has answered to God's call; 

Before His word we bow. 
But on that glorious day, when all 

This weary toil is o'er. 
We'll meet again with her we loved. 

To be apart no more. 



IN MEMORIAM. 169 

This life is but a dream at best, 

Earth's pleasures cannot last; 
The flow'rs that bloom at morning's dawn 

Must fade. Thoughts of the past 
May bring them into life again, 

And still in mem'ry they may live; 
But they are dead! To Him we look, 

For consolations He can give. 

If tears could only faintly tell 

The depth of our despair, 
Would they not call our loved ones back 

To this sad world of care ? 
Then do not weep. In realms of joy. 

She waits to greet you there; 
To live in love forevermore, 

In happiness and pray'r. 

Amid that happy band above 

She has prepared a home, 
Where, at the angels' summons, she 

Will wait for you to come. 
And then the life you lived on earth 

Touched by the wand of peace. 
Shall be renewed in love and joy, 

To never, never cease. 



I70 IN MEMORIAM. 



FERDINAND SOHM. 

DIED AUGUST 29, 189O, AGED 72 YEARS. 

How sad it is to think that he is dead, 

That he will never answer to our call; 
That all the joy his presence on us shed 

Must fade in darkness, covered by a pall. 
That never more his kindly voice to hear 

When to our home we go from daily toil; 
That e'en the face we loved must disappear 

From this sad world of sorrow and turmoil. 

Could we again recall those happy days,' 

When we, as children, stood beside his knee, 
And listened, as with voice of melodies 

He told us of the things that used to be; 
And pictured to us scenes that future years 

Must call into the life of every one; 
Ah, then our hearts were free from cares and fears, 

And life as bright as morning's glorious sun. 

The lands that welcomed him in youthful days 

Are still the same beneath the azure skies; 
The scenes on which he always loved to gaze 

Are sleeping 'neath the wind's soft luUabys; 
The little birds are carolling their song, 

As if in fancy he was list'ning still 
To their soft music, sweetly borne along 

Upon the air, the pulse and heart to thrill. 



IN MEMORIAM. 171 

Of what avail are all our pictured dreams 

When death must cast the pall of darkness o'er; 
When years roll on like little pebbled streams 

And take our loved ones to that happy shore. 
The heart must droop in sadness when the hand 

Of Death is placed upon the loving form 
Of one we love. They say that death is grand, 

That it will calm all misery in life's storm. 

And we will believe. The Savior up above 

Has taken from our side our father's face, 
And in His majesty and holy love 

Has summoned him to heaven, where in grace 
He waits for us to join him; nevermore 

To know the pangs of parting, and to live 
Amid the lands where holy angels soar, 

Enjoying bliss that heaven alone can give. 



172 IN MEMORIAM. 



MRS. TILLIE DESCALSO. 

They say that when a flower fades, 

E'en tho' its beauty's gone, 
There still remains a sweetness there 

That it will ever own. 
So when a dear one fades away 

And passes from our sight, 
There still remains the memory. 

Which will be ever bright. 

The shadows early fall upon 

Her merry-hearted life; 
The spirit that was ever glad 

Was dim'd and fill'd with strife; 
The summons came, on wings of peace 

Her spirit took its flight 
Unto that home of Holy Rest, 

Where He is ever light. 

We see her now, as when in life 

We heard her merry voice. 
Which, always full of gladness, bade 

Our weary heart rejoice; 
And tho' she sleeps forevermore, 

The mem'ry of her face 
Will ever hold within our heart 

A dear and loving place. 



IN MEMORIAM. 173 

Sleep on, dear one! Above your grave 

The flow'rs will everbloom; 
And they will be as silent friends 

To you within your tomb. 
As silent friends above the mound, 

That holds in its embrace 
The form of her we dearly loved, 

Whose spirit lives in grace. 

Farewell! It will not be for aye, 

The call for us will come, 
When we will meet to part no more, 

Within your heavenly home; 
Tho' tears cannot recall you now, 

Nor free us from this pain. 
We live and know that we will soon 

Be with you once again! 



174 JN MEMORIAM. 

WILLIAM GREHAN. 

DIED AUGUST 24, 189I. AGED 38 YEARS. 

O'er US comes a dream of sorrow 

When we think that he is dead; 
And we view again in mem'ry 

Scenes in which he oft has led 
When he stood a man among us 

Ever ready for the task; 
He has been our friend and comrade, 

Do we love him ? Can you ask ? 

As we looked upon him resting 

In that last eternal sleep, 
Do you blame us when we tell you 

That we could not help but weep ? 
And the mem'ry of him living, 

And his friendships to us all 
Touched the heart of every mourner 

Gathered at his funeral pall. 

There is something sweet in knowing 

That grim death does not erase 
From our broken earthly record 

Every feature of our face; 
And, tho' dead, we're not forgotten, 

Tho' the years may pass away; 
There are hearts that still remember, 

Memories that live for aye. 



IN MEMORIAM. 175 

O the hearts that live in sorrow! 

You will meet him once again 
When your sands on earth are ended 

You will not appeal in vain; 
Soon the summons will be given, 

Calling you unto his side 
In that land where angels' anthems 

Praise the Savior, crucified. 

He has left you here in sorrow, 

But the sunbeams will return 
Bringing you the consolation 

That in sadness you now yearn; 
Let him rest, while you in prayer 

Kneel unto the King above; 
There are balms for every sorrow 

When the source of all is love. 

Children, do not weep for father. 

For you have your mother here, 
And her heart is steeped in sadness 

For the one she loved sincere; 
But the fate of every mortal 

Is. to feel the pain of love. 
And the gladness will be greater 

Reunited there above. 



176 IN MEMOklAM. 



MRS. MARY KELLY. 

DIED JUNE 4, 1891, AGED 21 YEARS. 

She sleeps beneath a mound of flow'rs 

In Calvary's sweet embrace; 
The little birds are carolling 

Above her resting-place. 
Her soul within that holy realm, 

Where purest angels dwell, 
Looks down upon our sorrows deep. 

Too deep for tongue to tell. 

A guardian angel of our band. 

Bereft of you, we feel 
The sorrow and the misery 

That tears cannot conceal. 
And to the heart that loved you most 

A member of our band, 
We offer love and sympathy. 

And friendship true and grand! 

O, dear one rest! We miss you here. 

We miss your friendly call, 
Your welcome smile, your helping hand 

Your pleasant word for all. 
And now when gathered are our ranks, 

Your face will not appear; 
But we still hold your memory, 

Which we will e'er revere. 



IN MEMORIAM. 17^ 

Your life-work done! Can we forget 

How oft you cheered us on, 
When e'en your presence seem'd to be 

As hope to every one. 
And now that we may never more 

Gaze on thy face so dear, 
Still we can pray for her we loved, 

With hearts true and sincere. 

Tho' you are dead, your mem'ry Hves 

Within our hearts for aye; 
And we will love and cherish it 

Until the judgment day. 
When once again our band will meet 

And you, dear one, will be 
As here on earth, the angel guide 

For all eternity! 



178 IN MEMORIAM. 



ANDREW MICHAEL MANLY. 

DIED FEBRUARY 7, 1892, AGED 62 YEARS. 

O, OUR home was ever happy 

'Neath our father's tender care 
Through the many years of pleasure 

That he journeyed with us here. 
And his heart so kind and loving, 

Banished every pain away; 
Now we mourn our loving father, 

Vanished from our sight for aye. 

How we miss you, sweetest parent! 

She who in the years of youth 
Pledged her life and love unto you. 

Found your words the words of truth. 
And her heart is filled with sorrow 

For the years have fleetly passed 
That were spent so happy with you. 

Happiness that could not last. 

You have vanished, darling father. 

From our longing, loving view, 
Still our hearts are ever twining 

Sweetest memories of you. 
Tho' the days are dark and gloomy. 

And the thorns of life appear 
In our pathway, we are hoping. 

For we know that you are near. 



tN MEMORIAM. 179 

Yes, we know that up above us 

Where the sweetest songs of praise 
Rise in peans to the maker, 

You are Hving happy days. 
And you kneel unto the Savior, 

Waiting for our coming there 
When the angels' call is given, 

To rejoin you, free from care. 

Then your lips shall whisper loving 

Names of wife and children dear, 
And the earthly trials, and sorrows 

From our path will disappear. 
And all happy, reunited. 

Gathered 'round the throne of grace 
We shall live for years immortal, 

You shall see each loving face. 



l8o IN MEMORIAM. 



LITTLE ANNIE STREHL. 

The shades of night have fallen, 
And heaven has claimed its own 

And called our little Annie 
To the Almighty throne. 

Our hearts are draped in mourning 
With grief for one now gone, 

One we loved most dearly. 
Who has left us here alone. 

We miss you, darling Annie, 
Your place is vacant, dear; 

The smile that used to gladden 
And fill us with good cheer. 

No more we see, and passing 

Mournfully through life. 
We wait for that grand coming 

When o'er will be all strife. 

Then we will come and meet you 
In your bright home above, 

No more to part but ever 
To live in peace and love. 



IN MEMORIAM. i8i 

CATHERINE DELANEY. 

DIED SEPTEMBER I, 1892. 

'Midst the happiness and pleasure 

Of the truest joy and love, 
Fall the angels' summons calling 

Our dear mother up above; 
And the happiness that lingered 

In our house for many years, 
All has vanished in her absence, 

And we live alone in tears. 

Never will the world seem brighter 

Than her presence made it seem; 
Never will her voice of kindness 

Make us happy. We may dream 
Over scenes that now have vanished, 

And recall a happy time 
When our little home was joyous 

'Neath her love, pure and sublime. 

O the sorrow of each mortal, 

When the hand of death appears 
And takes from us those who love us 

Leaving us to weep in tears. 
We must seek true consolation. 

Knowing that our dear ones dwell 
In that land where angels' anthems 

To the Savior's glory swell. 



i82 IN MEMORIAM. 

Mother, never more to cheer us! 

Now bereft of every love 
That you gave us, dearer to us 

Than all else the earth above. 
Lowly do we kneel in prayer. 

And our thoughts ascend on high 
Where you reign in lasting glory 

'Neath the Savior's watchful eye. 

Still your memory will brighten, 

And our hearts will not despair, 
For we know that at His summons 

We shall meet you happy there. 
Never more will we be parted, 

And our lives will only know 
Purest joys and holy pleasures 

All unknown on earth below. 



IN MEMORIAM. 183 



JOHNNY FELL. 

DIED DEC. 16, 1887. 

From our hearts has flown the gladness 

That did reign when he was here; 
And we Uve alone in sadness, 

Miss the voice that gave us cheer; 
In his heavenly home above us, 

Dwelling with the angels there, 
Lives the dear one who did love us — 

Free from every pain and care. 

Darling Johnnie, in your glory, 

Look ye down upon us here; 
Give to us the loving story, 

Free our hearts from its despair. 
We are mourning here in sorrow. 

Longing to clasp you again, 
And we wait for that to-morrow 

When will end all earthly pain. 

Yes, our darling is in heaven 

And he waits for us to come, 
Praying for the call that's given 

When we'll journey to his home. 
There to live in love forever. 

Never knowing care or pain; 
In a bond death cannot sever. 

Where earth's pray'rs are not in vain. 



i84 IN MEMORIAM, 



MRS. MARY CROWLEY. 

DIED MARCH 26, 1888, AGE 58 YEARS. 

O'er our life of pleasure falling 

Like the somber pall of night, 
From the lips of angels calling 

Came the summons clear and bright. 
And our darling, angel mother 

Soared unto that home above; 
There can never be another 

Who will guard us with such love. 

Oh, how desolate is living. 

Nevermore to see her smile; 
When the pleasure it was giving 

Mingled with us all the while. 
Nevermore the footsteps nearing 

To caress our every pain; 
Nevermore her face appearing 

With its joyous sweet refrain. 

Vanished like a flow'r of morning, 

When its fragrence sweet has fled. 
Leaving here a life adorning 

With the loving life she led. 
Leaving loved ones here in sorrow, 

Longing her to meet again; 
Waiting for that glad to-morrow 

When will end all earthly pain. 



IN MEMO Rl AM. iSs 

Loved ones met her there in heaven, 

Who had watched for her to come, 
When the angel's call was given 

With the summons to come home. 
Sister Ellen, Eugene brother, 

And our father waited there; 
Children lisping name of "mother," 

Father calling ** wife " in pray'r. 

Darling mother in your glory. 

Look you down upon us here; 
Tell to us the olden story. 

Free our hearts from its despair. 
Tho' you dwell in realms of splendor. 

In our mem'ry you shall live. 
And your words so sweet and tender 

To our hearts will comfort give. 



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